Scheduled MonumentsWalesAbergavenny Castle
Medieval · Castle

Abergavenny Castle

Wales
Cadw SAM MM056
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Abergavenny Castle is a Norman fortification established in the late eleventh century, likely founded shortly after the Norman conquest of South Wales. The castle occupies a strategically important position commanding the Usk Valley and the town of Abergavenny in Monmouthshire. Its surviving remains include substantial stone walls and towers dating primarily from the thirteenth century, representing a transition from earlier motte-and-bailey defences to more sophisticated masonry fortifications. The site served as a significant stronghold throughout the medieval period, functioning both as a military installation and as the administrative centre of the Abergavenny lordship within the Norman-dominated Welsh borderlands.

Abergavenny Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MM056. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Abergavenny Castle?

Abergavenny Castle is a Norman fortification established in the late eleventh century, likely founded shortly after the Norman conquest of South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MM056.

What period does Abergavenny Castle date from?

Abergavenny Castle dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Abergavenny Castle?

Abergavenny Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is MM056.

What other scheduled monuments are near Abergavenny Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St. Bartholomew's Churchyard Cross, Llanover (4.9 km), Llanvihangel Nigh Usk Churchyard Cross (6.6 km), Blaenafon Ironworks (6.8 km).

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