the remaining sections of the castle walls and motte stand on a spur where a tributary stream meets the river usk, in a more elevated position than the rest of the town, which was planned around it. it has been suggested that the castle replaced an earlier motte-and-bailey structure at nearby maescelyn, where st mary's chapel, which has existed since around 1300, has also been linked with the castle by some historians. the motte is oval in shape and is still clearly visible, whilst the foundations of the shell keep are largely buried. traces of the castle bailey have been identified in the nearby playing field.