Scheduled MonumentsWalesAberystwyth Harbour Defences
Post Medieval/Modern · Pillbox

Aberystwyth Harbour Defences

Ceredigion, Wales
Cadw SAM CD248
Period
Post Medieval/Modern
Site type
Pillbox
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Aberystwyth Harbour Defences is a post-medieval and modern defensive structure located in Ceredigion, Wales, serving to protect the harbour and coastal approaches of the town. The site comprises pillbox fortifications dating principally from the Second World War period, when defensive measures were implemented across vulnerable Welsh coastal locations to counter potential invasion threat. These concrete structures reflect the rapid militarisation of Britain's coastline during 1940 and 1941, forming part of the wider network of anti-invasion defences constructed during the early years of the war. The harbour defences at Aberystwyth represent the archaeological record of wartime coastal fortification strategy and remain a significant example of twentieth-century military engineering in Wales.

Aberystwyth Harbour Defences is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CD248. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Aberystwyth Harbour Defences?

Aberystwyth Harbour Defences is a post-medieval and modern defensive structure located in Ceredigion, Wales, serving to protect the harbour and coastal approaches of the town. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CD248.

What period does Aberystwyth Harbour Defences date from?

Aberystwyth Harbour Defences dates from the post medieval/modern period, and is classified as a pillbox. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Aberystwyth Harbour Defences?

Aberystwyth Harbour Defences 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 CD248.

What other scheduled monuments are near Aberystwyth Harbour Defences?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Pen Dinas Camp (0.5 km), Aberystwyth Castle (0.8 km), Castle Tan-y-Castell (1.8 km).

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