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

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Bronllys is a Norman motte-and-bailey castle situated in the valley of the River Usk near Brecon in Powys, Wales. The castle was established in the twelfth century as part of the Norman consolidation of control in mid-Wales, with the surviving circular stone tower, known as a shell keep, dating to the later twelfth century. The tower stands approximately forty feet in height and is built upon the motte, representing a significant upgrade from the original timber fortifications typical of early Norman castles. The site reflects the strategic military architecture employed to secure the border regions of Norman Wales during the 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 Norman motte-and-bailey castle situated in the valley of the River Usk near Brecon in Powys, Wales. 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 Britain.

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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