Scheduled MonumentsWalesCastell-y-Fran
Medieval · Motte

Castell-y-Fran

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE185
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Castell-y-Fran is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period of Welsh settlement and conquest. The site comprises an earthwork mound typical of early medieval fortifications, constructed to serve as a defensive stronghold during the period of Norman expansion into South Wales in the twelfth century. The motte forms the primary defensive feature, raised as an artificial or semi-artificial earthwork intended to support a timber or stone palisade and protective structures. As a Scheduled Ancient Monument under Cadw's protection, the castle represents an important example of Norman military architecture adapted to the Welsh landscape during the medieval period of colonial settlement.

Castell-y-Fran is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE185. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Castell-y-Fran?

Castell-y-Fran is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Pembrokeshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period of Welsh settlement and conquest. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE185.

What period does Castell-y-Fran date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Castell-y-Fran?

Castell-y-Fran 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 PE185.

What other scheduled monuments are near Castell-y-Fran?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Iron Age Hillslope Enclosure in Canaston Wood (8.1 km), Castell Coch (8.6 km), Minwear Ringwork (8.9 km).

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