Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Cwm Aran
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Castell Cwm Aran

Radnorshire, Wales
Cadw SAM RD095
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Cwm Aran is a motte and bailey castle situated in Radnorshire, Wales, representing Norman military expansion into the Welsh marches during the twelfth century. The site comprises a substantial mound, characteristic of motte and bailey construction, which would have originally supported timber fortifications and served as a defensive stronghold commanding the local landscape. Its location within the Radnorshire border region reflects the strategic importance of such installations in maintaining Norman control over contested territory during the period of Anglo-Norman settlement in Wales. The castle represents a typical example of early medieval military architecture employed to consolidate territorial claims in the marches.

Castell Cwm Aran is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference RD095. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Cwm Aran?

Castell Cwm Aran is a motte and bailey castle situated in Radnorshire, Wales, representing Norman military expansion into the Welsh marches during the twelfth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference RD095.

What period does Castell Cwm Aran date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Castell Cwm Aran?

Castell Cwm Aran 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 RD095.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Cwm Aran?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Coed-swydd enclosure (5.8 km), Great Rhos round barrow (6.5 km), Medieval Settlement on Penybont Common (6.7 km).

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