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 fortress located in Breconshire, Wales, originally established in the late twelfth century as part of the Norman military expansion into mid-Wales. The castle comprises a substantial earthwork mound with an attached bailey, representing the characteristic defensive form employed by Anglo-Norman lords during their consolidation of power in the Welsh border territories. The site served as an important stronghold controlling the Wye valley and strategic routes through Breconshire. Although the timber or stone fortifications that once crowned the mound have not survived substantially, the earthwork remains a significant archaeological monument testament to medieval Welsh-Norman military architecture.

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 fortress located in Breconshire, Wales, originally established in the late twelfth century as part of the Norman military expansion into mid-Wales. 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 Britain.

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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