Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Cydweli / Kidwelly Castle
Medieval · Castle

Castell Cydweli / Kidwelly Castle

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM002
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Kidwelly Castle is a medieval fortress located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, which originated as a Norman stronghold founded in the late twelfth century. The castle comprises an impressive double-line defensive system with an outer ward and inner castle, featuring substantial stone walls and towers constructed during the thirteenth century when it was substantially rebuilt and expanded under the patronage of the de Chaworth and Talbot families. The site demonstrates characteristic Norman and later medieval military architecture, with its masonry fortifications representing significant phases of thirteenth-century castle construction in South Wales. Kidwelly remained an important defensive and administrative centre throughout the medieval period and has survived to the present day as one of the most architecturally complete castle structures in Wales.

Castell Cydweli / Kidwelly Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM002. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Cydweli / Kidwelly Castle?

Kidwelly Castle is a medieval fortress located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, which originated as a Norman stronghold founded in the late twelfth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM002.

What period does Castell Cydweli / Kidwelly Castle date from?

Castell Cydweli / Kidwelly 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 Castell Cydweli / Kidwelly Castle?

Castell Cydweli / Kidwelly 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 CM002.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Cydweli / Kidwelly Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Glanstony Aqueduct, Trimsaran (2.6 km), Spudder's Bridge (2.7 km), Dome Gunnery Trainer, Pembrey Airfield (3.4 km).

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