Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Hywel
Medieval · Motte

Castell Hywel

Ceredigion, Wales
Cadw SAM CD084
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Hywel is a motte and bailey castle situated in Ceredigion, Wales, and forms part of the early Norman defensive network established in south Wales during the late eleventh and twelfth centuries. The site comprises a substantial earthen mound typical of motte-and-bailey construction, which would have originally supported timber fortifications including a palisade and defensive structures. The castle is positioned to command local routes and resources in the Ceredigion landscape, reflecting the strategic concerns of Norman lordship in the region during a period of territorial consolidation and Anglo-Norman expansion into Welsh lands. Like many such earthwork castles in Wales, Castell Hywel was likely abandoned in favour of stone fortifications or rendered obsolete as Norman military dominance in the area became established.

Castell Hywel is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CD084. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Hywel?

Castell Hywel is a motte and bailey castle situated in Ceredigion, Wales, and forms part of the early Norman defensive network established in south Wales during the late eleventh and twelfth centuries. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CD084.

What period does Castell Hywel date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Castell Hywel?

Castell Hywel 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 CD084.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Hywel?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Tomen Rhyd-Owen (2.9 km), Pen Coed-Foel Camp (5.1 km), Dinas Cerdin (5.5 km).

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