Scheduled MonumentsWalesBrecon Castle
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Brecon Castle

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR022
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Brecon Castle is a motte and bailey fortification founded in the late eleventh century following the Norman conquest of South Wales. The castle occupies a prominent position within the town of Brecon and comprises an elevated motte with a substantial bailey, commanding views over the Usk valley and the surrounding settlement. The site was strategically important for Norman control of the region and remained in use throughout the medieval period, though later phases of occupation and modification are documented. Today the earthworks survive as significant archaeological remains, preserving the characteristic defensive morphology of early Norman fortification in Wales.

Brecon Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR022. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Brecon Castle?

Brecon Castle is a motte and bailey fortification founded in the late eleventh century following the Norman conquest of South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR022.

What period does Brecon Castle date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Brecon Castle?

Brecon 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 BR022.

What other scheduled monuments are near Brecon Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Plas-y-Gaer Camp (4.3 km), Coed y Brenin Enclosure (5.4 km), Coed y Caerau Camp (5.5 km).

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