Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Bach
Medieval · Motte

Castell Bach

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM129
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Bach is a motte-and-bailey earthwork located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of South Wales in the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries. The site comprises a prominent mound with associated bailey, representing a typical form of early Norman military installation designed to establish territorial control and garrison authority in the newly conquered Welsh lands. The earthwork survives as a substantial upstanding monument, preserving evidence of the defensive strategy employed by Norman lords to secure their position in the region during this period of intensive castle-building across South Wales.

Castell Bach is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM129. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Bach?

Castell Bach is a motte-and-bailey earthwork located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of South Wales in the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM129.

What period does Castell Bach date from?

Castell Bach dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Castell Bach?

Castell Bach 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 CM129.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Bach?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle (0.3 km), Crug Hywel Round Barrow (3.5 km), Pant-Glas Round Barrow (3.6 km).

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