Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM131
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle is a motte and bailey fortification located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period following the late eleventh century conquest and settlement of South Wales. The castle comprises a substantial earthen mound, typical of early Norman military architecture, accompanied by a bailey or defensive enclosure, representing a form of fortification rapidly deployed across Wales during the Norman expansion. The site reflects the strategic importance of Carmarthenshire during the period of Anglo-Norman consolidation in South Wales, when such timber-built or earth-based strongholds served as centres of local control and defence. The monument is recorded under Cadw's archaeological protection as a significant example of medieval military earthworks.

Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM131. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle?

Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle is a motte and bailey fortification located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, dating 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 CM131.

What period does Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle?

Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle 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 CM131.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Mawr Mound and Bailey Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Castell Bach (0.3 km), Crug Hywel Round Barrow (3.3 km), Pant-Glas Round Barrow (3.3 km).

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