Scheduled MonumentsWalesAberystwyth Castle
Medieval · Castle

Aberystwyth Castle

Ceredigion, Wales
Cadw SAM CD008
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Aberystwyth Castle is a medieval fortification constructed in the early thirteenth century on the Ceredigion coast of Wales. The castle was founded by the English during the conquest of Wales, initially built by Gilbert de Clare in 1277 and subsequently developed with stone fortifications including a distinctive diamond-shaped tower and curtain walls. The structure occupies a prominent rocky headland overlooking Cardigan Bay, commanding the harbour and the settlement below, and served as both a military stronghold and administrative centre during the medieval period. The surviving remains, though ruinous, retain substantial sections of the outer defensive walls and towers, providing important evidence of medieval military architecture in Wales.

Aberystwyth Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CD008. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Aberystwyth Castle?

Aberystwyth Castle is a medieval fortification constructed in the early thirteenth century on the Ceredigion coast of Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CD008.

What period does Aberystwyth Castle date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Aberystwyth Castle?

Aberystwyth 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 CD008.

What other scheduled monuments are near Aberystwyth Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Aberystwyth Harbour Defences (0.8 km), Pen Dinas Camp (1.2 km), Castle Tan-y-Castell (2.6 km).

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