Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Bronllys
Medieval · Castle

Castell Bronllys

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR008
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Castell Bronllys is a medieval motte-and-bailey castle situated in Breconshire, Wales, constructed during the Norman period following the Anglo-Norman penetration of South Wales in the late eleventh century. The castle is distinguished by its substantial circular stone keep, known as a round tower, which was erected on the motte in the twelfth century, replacing earlier timber fortifications typical of the initial Norman settlement phase. The circular tower survives to considerable height and represents an important example of military architecture from the High Medieval period, demonstrating the strategic importance of the site in controlling the Usk valley. Castell Bronllys remained in use throughout the medieval period as a defensive stronghold, though it was eventually superseded by other fortifications in the region and fell into disuse following the later medieval period.

Castell Bronllys is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR008. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Bronllys?

Castell Bronllys is a medieval motte-and-bailey castle situated in Breconshire, Wales, constructed during the Norman period following the Anglo-Norman penetration of South Wales in the late eleventh century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR008.

What period does Castell Bronllys date from?

Castell Bronllys 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 Castell Bronllys?

Castell Bronllys 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 BR008.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Bronllys?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Enclosure West of Sorgwm (7.5 km), Crannog in Llangorse Lake (8.1 km), Mynydd Troed, round cairn on S end of (8.3 km).

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