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 prominent hilltop position near Llangollen in Denbighshire, Wales. The castle dates from the thirteenth century and was built by the princes of Gwynedd as a defensive stronghold to control the Dee Valley. The site commands extensive views across the surrounding landscape and its stone remains, including fragments of walls and towers, reflect the substantial fortification it once was. The castle was eventually abandoned, likely following English conquest in the late thirteenth century, and has remained a ruin since medieval times.

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 prominent hilltop position near 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 Britain.

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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