Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell Trefilan
Medieval · Motte

Castell Trefilan

Ceredigion, Wales
Cadw SAM CD077
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell Trefilan is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Ceredigion, Wales, dating to the Norman period of the twelfth century. The site comprises an earthen mound typical of early medieval fortification design, with associated defensive works characteristic of Norman military architecture in Wales. The castle represents the pattern of Norman expansion into Welsh territory during the early post-Conquest period, though like many such earthwork fortifications it saw limited long-term development compared to later stone-built strongholds. The site remains substantially preserved as an earthwork monument, retaining archaeological and historical significance as evidence of medieval settlement and defensive strategy in the region.

Castell Trefilan is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CD077. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell Trefilan?

Castell Trefilan is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Ceredigion, Wales, dating to the Norman period of the twelfth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CD077.

What period does Castell Trefilan date from?

Castell Trefilan 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 Trefilan?

Castell Trefilan 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 CD077.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell Trefilan?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Pen Clawdd-Mawr Defended Enclosure (1.9 km), Castell Cwmere (3.1 km), Cribyn Clottas (5.8 km).

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