Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Rhaglan
Medieval · Castle

Castell Rhaglan

Wales
Cadw SAM MM005
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Castell Rhaglan is a substantial medieval castle located in Monmouthshire, Wales, which represents one of the finest examples of 15th-century military architecture in Britain. The castle was begun in 1432 by William ap Thomas and substantially developed by his son William, Earl of Pembroke, featuring a distinctive hexagonal tower known as the Yellow Tower of Gwent that served as both stronghold and symbol of lordly power. The fortress demonstrates the sophisticated defensive engineering of its period through its concentric plan, elaborate gatehouse systems, and water-filled moat, reflecting developments in castle design during the later medieval period. Castell Rhaglan remained an important military installation into the 17th century and was slighted following the English Civil War, though substantial ruins of its principal structures survive to the present day.

Castell Rhaglan is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MM005. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Rhaglan?

Castell Rhaglan is a substantial medieval castle located in Monmouthshire, Wales, which represents one of the finest examples of 15th-century military architecture in Britain. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MM005.

What period does Castell Rhaglan date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Castell Rhaglan?

Castell Rhaglan 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 MM005.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Rhaglan?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Great House Camp (5.3 km), Camp 650m South of Ty Freeman (6.2 km), Ringwork NE of New House (7.3 km).

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