Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell y Bere
Medieval · Castle

Castell y Bere

Meirionnydd, Wales
Cadw SAM ME023
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell y Bere is a stone castle built in the thirteenth century by the Welsh princes of Gwynedd, likely established in the 1220s as a stronghold within Meirionnydd. The castle occupies a prominent hilltop position and features stone curtain walls with towers, representing a significant example of native Welsh castle architecture from the medieval period. It was captured and garrisoned by English forces during Edward I's campaigns in the 1280s and subsequently fell into decline, though portions of its masonry structures remain visible today. The site exemplifies the military architecture employed by both Welsh and English powers during the medieval conflicts for control of North Wales.

Castell y Bere is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference ME023. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell y Bere?

Castell y Bere is a stone castle built in the thirteenth century by the Welsh princes of Gwynedd, likely established in the 1220s as a stronghold within Meirionnydd. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference ME023.

What period does Castell y Bere date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Castell y Bere?

Castell y Bere 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 ME023.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell y Bere?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Alltwyllt Slate Quarry Incline (2.4 km), Craig yr Aderyn Hillfort (2.9 km), Water Powered Chain Incline at Bryneglwys Slate Quarry (4.2 km).

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