Scheduled MonumentsWalesCnwclas Castle
Medieval · Castle

Cnwclas Castle

Radnorshire, Wales
Cadw SAM RD085
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Cnwclas Castle is a medieval motte-and-bailey fortification located in Radnorshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period following the late eleventh-century conquest and settlement of the region. The castle comprises a substantial earthwork mound with an associated bailey, representing a typical early Norman defensive strategy for territorial control in the Welsh Marches. Its precise construction date remains uncertain, though the site reflects the pattern of castle establishment by Norman lords during their gradual consolidation of power in mid-Wales during the twelfth century. The monument survives today primarily as earthwork remains, with no substantial stone structures visible, and it holds scheduled monument status under the Welsh heritage designation system.

Cnwclas Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference RD085. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cnwclas Castle?

Cnwclas Castle is a medieval motte-and-bailey fortification located in Radnorshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period following the late eleventh-century conquest and settlement of the region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference RD085.

What period does Cnwclas Castle date from?

Cnwclas Castle 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 Cnwclas Castle?

Cnwclas 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 RD085.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cnwclas Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Glog Camp (5.9 km), Castell Foel-Allt (6.9 km), Offa's Dyke: Section extending 2143m S from The Firs, Rhos-y-Meirch (7.4 km).

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