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 situated on the Ceredigion coast, constructed in the early thirteenth century as part of the Norman expansion into Wales. The castle was built circa 1277 by Edward I during his campaign to establish English control over Welsh territories, and it occupies a prominent headland position commanding the harbour and surrounding landscape. The surviving remains consist of two concentric stone curtain walls with towers, representing the castle's original design as a substantial coastal stronghold, though the structure has been significantly damaged and reduced over the centuries. The site served strategic military purposes throughout the medieval period and later became a focus of civil conflict during the English Civil War, when it was slighted to prevent further use as a fortification.

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 situated on the Ceredigion coast, constructed in the early thirteenth century as part of the Norman expansion into 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 Britain.

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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