Scheduled MonumentsWalesCymmer Castle
Medieval · Motte

Cymmer Castle

Meirionnydd, Wales
Cadw SAM ME150
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Cymmer Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification located in Meirionnydd, Wales, dating to the Norman period of medieval Wales. The monument consists of a substantial earthen mound typical of early Norman defensive architecture, representing a form of fortification widely adopted following Norman expansion into Wales during the late eleventh and twelfth centuries. Its location in Meirionnydd reflects the strategic importance of controlling this region during the period of Anglo-Norman consolidation in North Wales. The site remains an important archaeological example of early medieval military engineering in the principality, though like many mottes of its period, it was eventually superseded by more substantial stone fortifications.

Cymmer Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference ME150. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cymmer Castle?

Cymmer Castle is a motte-and-bailey fortification located in Meirionnydd, Wales, dating to the Norman period of medieval Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference ME150.

What period does Cymmer Castle date from?

Cymmer Castle 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 Cymmer Castle?

Cymmer 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 ME150.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cymmer Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Pentre Farm Barrow (1.1 km), Brithdir Roman Fort (4.1 km), Maes Coch Deserted Rural Settlement (4.3 km).

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