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 medieval motte located in Wales, designated as a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw reference GM289. The earthwork consists of a substantial mound typical of motte-and-bailey fortifications, constructed during the Norman period of Welsh castle development. Such mottes served as defensive strongholds and administrative centres during the medieval consolidation of Norman power in Wales, though detailed historical records specific to this particular site remain limited. The monument survives as a landscape feature demonstrating the widespread adoption of motte construction as a rapid and effective form of fortification across the Welsh marches and inland territories during the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

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 medieval motte located in Wales, designated as a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw reference GM289. 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 the UK.

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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