Scheduled MonumentsWalesCardigan Castle
Medieval · Castle

Cardigan Castle

Ceredigion, Wales
Cadw SAM CD123
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Cardigan Castle is a Norman stronghold founded in the early twelfth century, likely established shortly after 1110 by the de Braose family as part of their territorial consolidation in South Wales. The castle occupies a strategically commanding position overlooking the River Teifi, with its most distinctive feature being a substantial round tower keep constructed in stone, reflecting developments in military architecture of the Norman period. The site underwent significant modifications during the medieval period, including the addition of curtain walls and other defensive structures that demonstrate its evolving role as both a military installation and administrative centre for the surrounding lordship. Cardigan remained an important fortification throughout the medieval period and subsequently declined, though substantial architectural remains survive to indicate its former prominence in the region's medieval defence network.

Cardigan Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CD123. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cardigan Castle?

Cardigan Castle is a Norman stronghold founded in the early twelfth century, likely established shortly after 1110 by the de Braose family as part of their territorial consolidation in South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CD123.

What period does Cardigan Castle date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Cardigan Castle?

Cardigan 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 CD123.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cardigan Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Inscribed Pillar Stone in Churchyard (3.9 km), Castell Felin-Ganol (3.9 km), Castell Pen-yr-Allt (4.4 km).

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