Scheduled MonumentsWalesDolbenmaen Castle Mound
Medieval · Motte

Dolbenmaen Castle Mound

Conwy, Wales
Cadw SAM CN063
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Dolbenmaen Castle Mound is a motte earthwork located in Conwy, North Wales, constructed during the Norman period following the establishment of Anglo-Norman control in the region. The monument consists of a substantial artificial mound typical of early medieval defensive architecture, representing an expedient form of fortification employed before the construction of stone castles became standard practice. The motte would have originally supported a timber palisade and defensive structures on its summit, serving as a local stronghold and administrative centre for the surrounding territory. Though much reduced by time and agricultural activity, the earthwork remains a significant archaeological record of the early medieval settlement and military organisation of North Wales.

Dolbenmaen Castle Mound is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CN063. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Dolbenmaen Castle Mound?

Dolbenmaen Castle Mound is a motte earthwork located in Conwy, North Wales, constructed during the Norman period following the establishment of Anglo-Norman control in the region. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CN063.

What period does Dolbenmaen Castle Mound date from?

Dolbenmaen 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 Dolbenmaen Castle Mound?

Dolbenmaen 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 CN063.

What other scheduled monuments are near Dolbenmaen Castle Mound?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cefn-Isaf Burial Chamber (3.2 km), Capel Gallt-Coed (4.5 km), Standing Stone N of Bettws Fawr (4.8 km).

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