Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Llain-Fawr
Medieval · Motte

Castell Llain-Fawr

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE209
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Llain-Fawr is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, which dates to the Norman period following the late eleventh-century conquest and settlement of south Wales. The site comprises a substantial earthwork mound typical of early Norman fortifications, designed to provide defensive control over the surrounding landscape during a period of intensive castle-building by Norman lords establishing their authority in the region. The castle's strategic location reflects the broader pattern of Norman military expansion throughout Pembrokeshire in the decades following 1066, when such motte-and-bailey structures served as the primary form of fortification before the development of stone castles. Today the monument survives as an important archaeological and historical record of Norman military architecture and settlement strategy in medieval Wales.

Castell Llain-Fawr is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE209. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Llain-Fawr?

Castell Llain-Fawr is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, which dates to the Norman period following the late eleventh-century conquest and settlement of south Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE209.

What period does Castell Llain-Fawr date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Castell Llain-Fawr?

Castell Llain-Fawr 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 PE209.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Llain-Fawr?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Standing Stone 600m E of Dolau-Newydd (6.8 km), Rhos Fach standing stone pair (7.1 km), Ty-Newydd Standing Stones (7.1 km).

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