Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Prysor
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Castell Prysor

Meirionnydd, Wales
Cadw SAM ME045
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Prysor is a motte and bailey castle situated in Meirionnydd, Gwynedd, Wales, and dates to the Norman period of medieval Welsh history. The monument comprises a substantial earthwork mound typical of early Norman fortifications, designed to provide defensive control over the local landscape and settlement patterns during the period of Anglo-Norman expansion into Wales. The site's strategic location reflects the importance of this region during the twelfth century, when such castles served as instruments of military occupation and administrative authority. Like many motte and bailey fortifications in Wales, Castell Prysor represents the early phase of Norman castle-building before the transition to stone-built structures that characterised later medieval fortification strategies.

Castell Prysor is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference ME045. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Prysor?

Castell Prysor is a motte and bailey castle situated in Meirionnydd, Gwynedd, Wales, and dates to the Norman period of medieval Welsh history. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference ME045.

What period does Castell Prysor date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Castell Prysor?

Castell Prysor 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 ME045.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Prysor?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Roman Road extending SE 650m from Llyn Hiraethlyn toward Glasgoed (1.3 km), Roman Practice Camps 190m W of Llyn Hiraethlyn (1.6 km), Enclosed Hut Circle Settlement at Ffridd Bodyfuddau (3.7 km).

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