Scheduled MonumentsWalesCwm-Clais Castle Mound
Medieval · Motte

Cwm-Clais Castle Mound

Wales
Cadw SAM GM289
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Cwm-Clais Castle Mound is a motte situated in Wales, representing a form of early medieval fortification typical of the Norman period. The earthwork consists of a raised mound that would have originally supported a timber palisade and defensive structures, characteristic of motte-and-bailey castle construction employed throughout Wales following the Norman conquest. Though specific details of its original garrison and precise construction date remain uncertain, such mottes generally date from the eleventh and twelfth centuries and served as focal points for territorial control and defence in contested frontier regions. The monument, registered under Cadw's scheduling system as GM289, survives as a landscape feature demonstrating the physical legacy of medieval military architecture in the Welsh countryside.

Cwm-Clais Castle Mound is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM289. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cwm-Clais Castle Mound?

Cwm-Clais Castle Mound is a motte situated in Wales, representing a form of early medieval fortification typical of the Norman period. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM289.

What period does Cwm-Clais Castle Mound date from?

Cwm-Clais Castle Mound 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-Clais Castle Mound?

Cwm-Clais Castle Mound 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 GM289.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cwm-Clais Castle Mound?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Half Moon Camp (6.2 km), Margam Medieval Bath House (6.2 km), Hen Eglwys Chapel and Defended Enclosure (6.4 km).

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