Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Dinas Bran
Medieval · Castle

Castell Dinas Bran

Denbighshire, Wales
Cadw SAM DE021
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Dinas Bran is a medieval castle occupying a commanding hilltop position above the town of Llangollen in Denbighshire, Wales. The fortress was constructed in the early thirteenth century, likely by the princes of Gwynedd as a stronghold for Welsh rule in the region, and represents an important example of native Welsh castle architecture of the period. The castle comprises a substantial stone keep and curtain walls that exploit the natural defences of the rocky outcrop, with the remains demonstrating typical features of High Medieval Welsh fortifications including a prominent central tower. The site was abandoned by the late medieval period, but its dramatic hilltop setting and surviving masonry have made it one of the most prominent castle ruins in North Wales.

Castell Dinas Bran is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference DE021. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Dinas Bran?

Castell Dinas Bran is a medieval castle occupying a commanding hilltop position above the town of Llangollen in Denbighshire, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference DE021.

What period does Castell Dinas Bran date from?

Castell Dinas Bran 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 Dinas Bran?

Castell Dinas Bran 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 DE021.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Dinas Bran?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Pen-y-Brongyll Round Barrow (4.7 km), Graig cairn (5.7 km), Offa's Dyke: Caeau-Gwynion Section (6.1 km).

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