Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Dolforwyn
Medieval · Castle

Castell Dolforwyn

Wales
Cadw SAM MG114
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Castell Dolforwyn is a late thirteenth-century Welsh castle situated near Welshpool in Montgomeryshire, built by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Gwynedd, around 1273 to assert Welsh independence and control of the region. The castle comprises a substantial stone keep with curtain walls and defensive ditches positioned on a commanding hilltop, reflecting contemporary military architecture adapted to Welsh circumstances. Its construction represented an act of defiance against English expansion, though it was captured and destroyed by English forces under Edward I's command during the 1277 campaign. The ruins, extensively excavated and consolidated by Cadw, remain among the most significant examples of native Welsh castle architecture from the Edwardian period.

Castell Dolforwyn is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MG114. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Dolforwyn?

Castell Dolforwyn is a late thirteenth-century Welsh castle situated near Welshpool in Montgomeryshire, built by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Gwynedd, around 1273 to assert Welsh independence and control of the region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MG114.

What period does Castell Dolforwyn date from?

Castell Dolforwyn 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 Dolforwyn?

Castell Dolforwyn 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 MG114.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Dolforwyn?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The Moat Mound and Bailey Castle (5.6 km), Sibwll Wood Camp (6.2 km), Fron Derw Wood Camp (6.4 km).

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