Scheduled MonumentsWalesCardiff Castle and Roman Fort
Medieval · Fort

Cardiff Castle and Roman Fort

Wales
Cadw SAM GM171
Period
Medieval
Site type
Fort
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Cardiff Castle is a medieval fortress occupying the site of a Roman fort in central Cardiff, Wales. The castle's motte-and-bailey earthwork was constructed in the late eleventh century following the Norman conquest, with substantial stone fortifications added during the twelfth and subsequent centuries. The Roman fort, which once stood at this strategically important location guarding the crossing of the River Taff, provided the elevated position that made the site attractive for Norman defensive development. The castle remains an important example of medieval military architecture, demonstrating the continuity of strategic site usage from the Roman period through to the medieval period.

Cardiff Castle and Roman Fort is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM171. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cardiff Castle and Roman Fort?

Cardiff Castle is a medieval fortress occupying the site of a Roman fort in central Cardiff, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM171.

What period does Cardiff Castle and Roman Fort date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Cardiff Castle and Roman Fort?

Cardiff Castle and Roman Fort 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 GM171.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cardiff Castle and Roman Fort?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Ely Tidal Harbour Coal Staithe Number One (3.8 km), Penarth Churchyard Cross (Now in St Augustine's Church) (4.6 km), Cwm George Camp (5.4 km).

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