Scheduled MonumentsWalesBuilth Castle
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Builth Castle

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR031
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Builth Castle is a motte and bailey castle constructed in the late twelfth century in Breconshire, Wales, likely established during the Anglo-Norman penetration of the region. The site comprises a substantial earthen mound with surrounding defensive ditches, typical of the motte and bailey form which dominated castle construction in Wales during the early Norman period. The castle served as a strategic fortification controlling the Wye valley and the approach to mid-Wales, and was associated with the Norman lords who held territories in the area. Though no substantial stone structures survive, the earthwork remains an important testament to the military architecture employed during the Norman conquest and consolidation of Welsh territories.

Builth Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR031. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Builth Castle?

Builth Castle is a motte and bailey castle constructed in the late twelfth century in Breconshire, Wales, likely established during the Anglo-Norman penetration of the region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR031.

What period does Builth Castle date from?

Builth 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 Builth Castle?

Builth 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 BR031.

What other scheduled monuments are near Builth Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cwmhindda Deserted Rural Settlement (3.7 km), Hendy Long Hut (4.5 km), Banc y Celyn Stone Circle (4.8 km).

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