Scheduled MonumentsWalesHaverfordwest Castle
Medieval · Castle

Haverfordwest Castle

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE366
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Haverfordwest Castle is a Norman castle situated in the county town of Pembrokeshire, Wales, originally founded in the early twelfth century as part of the Anglo-Norman penetration into South Wales. The castle occupies a commanding position overlooking the River Cleddau and the town, and consists of substantial remains including a stone keep, curtain walls, and defensive earthworks that reflect successive phases of medieval development and modification. The site served as an important administrative and military centre throughout the medieval period, functioning as the caput of the Norman lordship of Haverfordwest and later as a royal stronghold. The surviving masonry, particularly the impressive stone keep, represents one of the more significant castle remains in Pembrokeshire and demonstrates the substantial resources invested in maintaining Norman control over this strategic Welsh borderland territory.

Haverfordwest Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE366. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Haverfordwest Castle?

Haverfordwest Castle is a Norman castle situated in the county town of Pembrokeshire, Wales, originally founded in the early twelfth century as part of the Anglo-Norman penetration into South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE366.

What period does Haverfordwest Castle date from?

Haverfordwest Castle dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Haverfordwest Castle?

Haverfordwest 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 PE366.

What other scheduled monuments are near Haverfordwest Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Round Barrow 300m NW of Tallyho (5.8 km), Rosemarket Dovecot (7.5 km), Rosemarket Rath (7.7 km).

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