Scheduled MonumentsWalesBedford Castle
Medieval · Motte

Bedford Castle

Wales
Cadw SAM GM113
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Bedford Castle is a motte and bailey castle of Norman origin situated in Wales. The earthwork comprises a substantial mounded motte with an associated bailey, representing a characteristic form of early medieval fortification established following the Norman conquest. The castle dates to the 11th or 12th century and would have served defensive and administrative functions typical of Norman strongholds in the Welsh borders region. Though the stone structures have not survived, the earthwork remains a significant example of Norman military architecture and settlement strategy in Wales.

Bedford Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM113. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bedford Castle?

Bedford Castle is a motte and bailey castle of Norman origin situated in Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM113.

What period does Bedford Castle date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Bedford Castle?

Bedford 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 GM113.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bedford Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Castle Ditches Camp (2.8 km), West Orchard Manor House (3 km), Summerhouse Camp (3.2 km).

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