Scheduled MonumentsWalesCrickhowell Castle
Medieval · Castle

Crickhowell Castle

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR111
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Crickhowell Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification located in Breconshire, Wales, established in the late eleventh century following the Norman conquest of the region. The castle comprises a substantial earthen mound surrounded by a ditch, with the remains of a stone keep visible on the summit, representing the later medieval phase of occupation and development. The site was strategically positioned to control the River Usk and the surrounding valley, serving as an important stronghold for Norman lordship in the Welsh borderlands. Though extensively damaged and robbed of stone in subsequent centuries, the castle remains a significant testimony to Norman military architecture and the consolidation of Anglo-Norman power in South Wales during the medieval period.

Crickhowell Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR111. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Crickhowell Castle?

Crickhowell Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification located in Breconshire, Wales, established in the late eleventh century following the Norman conquest of the region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR111.

What period does Crickhowell Castle date from?

Crickhowell 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 Crickhowell Castle?

Crickhowell 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 BR111.

What other scheduled monuments are near Crickhowell Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Coal and Iron Ore Workings West of Abergavenny Road, Blaenavon (8.7 km), Brake Engine on Hill Pits Tramroad Incline (8.7 km), Pwll Du Tunnel (8.8 km).

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