The cantref* of Elfael and the manor of Aberedw remained under the control of native ‘princes’ until the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, possibly near Aberedw, on 11 December 1282. Following this, Edmund Mortimer of Wigmore (d1304) expelled the descendants of Einion Clud from the district. Between 1250 & 1270 these men had been alternately vassals of Roger Mortimer of Wigmore (d1282) and Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffydd. In their place at Aberedw on 24 June 1284, Edmund Mortimer installed Walter Hackelutel, who in June 1264 had unsuccessfully defended Hay on Wye castle for Roger Mortimer against Simon de Montfort of Earl of Leicester (d1265).

The second castle built at Aberedw is situated on top of a steep slope made when the River Edw was rejuvenated after the Ice Age. It is a rectangular stone castle some 125 feet by 110 feet across, dating from around 1284. Apparently it had four corner towers and there are traces of buildings against the east curtain. It was surrounded by a ditch and probably a counterscarp bank, though this now can only be seen on the west side. The castle was abandoned by 1397 and subsequently the south side was badly damaged by the construction of the now abandoned Cambrian Railway.

*cantref: A medieval Welsh land division