Scheduled MonumentsWalesCaerphilly Castle
Medieval · Castle

Caerphilly Castle

Wales
Cadw SAM GM002
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Caerphilly Castle is a substantial masonry fortress built from 1268 onwards by Gilbert de Clare, the Norman lord of Glamorgan, and represents one of the finest examples of concentric castle design in Britain. The castle comprises an inner ward surrounded by a powerful outer curtain wall, both enclosed within a formidable water defence system created by damming the Nant-y-Gledyr stream, making it one of the earliest and largest castles to employ such extensive hydraulic fortifications. The massive gatehouse structures, particularly the East Gatehouse with its projecting towers, exemplify the military architecture of the late thirteenth century and demonstrate the sophisticated engineering capabilities of the period. Following damage during the English Civil War, the castle underwent significant restoration in the early twentieth century, preserving this remarkable monument that dominated the lordship of Glamorgan for centuries after its construction.

Caerphilly Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM002. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Caerphilly Castle?

Caerphilly Castle is a substantial masonry fortress built from 1268 onwards by Gilbert de Clare, the Norman lord of Glamorgan, and represents one of the finest examples of concentric castle design in Britain. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM002.

What period does Caerphilly Castle date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Caerphilly Castle?

Caerphilly 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 GM002.

What other scheduled monuments are near Caerphilly Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Wenallt Camp, Rhiwbina (4.3 km), Twmpath, Rhiwbina (4.9 km), Castell Coch (5 km).

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