Scheduled MonumentsWalesCwm Camlais Castle
Medieval · Motte

Cwm Camlais Castle

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR037
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Cwm Camlais Castle is a motte-and-bailey earthwork located in the Camlais valley in Breconshire, Wales. The site dates to the Norman period, likely established in the eleventh or twelfth century as part of the defensive infrastructure associated with Norman settlement and lordship in the region. The monument consists of a substantial mound with associated bailey, typical of early Norman fortifications in Wales before the construction of stone castles became prevalent. Its position in the Camlais valley reflects strategic placement within the landscape, though the site has seen little structural development beyond its earthwork defences and no significant stone buildings are known to have been constructed there.

Cwm Camlais Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR037. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cwm Camlais Castle?

Cwm Camlais Castle is a motte-and-bailey earthwork located in the Camlais valley in Breconshire, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR037.

What period does Cwm Camlais Castle date from?

Cwm Camlais Castle 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 Cwm Camlais Castle?

Cwm Camlais 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 BR037.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cwm Camlais Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Nant Mawr Round Cairn (6.4 km), Storey Arms Anti-invasion Defences (7.2 km), Maen Llia Stone (7.6 km).

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