Scheduled MonumentsWalesCefnllys Castle
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Cefnllys Castle

Radnorshire, Wales
Cadw SAM RD008
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Cefnllys Castle is a motte and bailey castle situated in Radnorshire, Wales, established in the Norman period following the Anglo-Norman conquest of the region. The site comprises a substantial earthen motte with an adjoining bailey, representing a typical early medieval fortification constructed to assert Norman control over the Welsh borderlands. The castle was built in association with the settlement at Cefnllys and served as a defensive stronghold during the twelfth century, a period of considerable military activity as Anglo-Norman lords consolidated their territorial claims in mid-Wales. The earthwork remains are well-preserved, demonstrating the characteristic form of early Norman military architecture before the widespread adoption of stone keeps in the region.

Cefnllys Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference RD008. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cefnllys Castle?

Cefnllys Castle is a motte and bailey castle situated in Radnorshire, Wales, established in the Norman period following the Anglo-Norman conquest of the region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference RD008.

What period does Cefnllys Castle date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Cefnllys Castle?

Cefnllys Castle 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 RD008.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cefnllys Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Bryntwppa stone row (7.3 km), Colwyn Castle (7.7 km), Carneddau Round Cairn (7.7 km).

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