Scheduled MonumentsWalesHen Castell
Medieval · Moated Site

Hen Castell

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR056
Period
Medieval
Site type
Moated Site
Broad class
Domestic
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Hen Castell is a moated domestic site located in Breconshire, Wales, dating to the medieval period. The site comprises a substantial platform surrounded by a well-defined moat, a defensive and status-conferring feature characteristic of medieval manorial settlements in Wales and the Marches. The earthwork remains indicate a residence of some social standing, typical of the 13th to 15th centuries when such moated sites were favoured by both English settlers and native Welsh landholders seeking to establish fortified domestic centres. The monument is now designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument under the Cadw protection scheme.

Hen Castell is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR056. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Hen Castell?

Hen Castell is a moated domestic site located in Breconshire, Wales, dating to the medieval period. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR056.

What period does Hen Castell date from?

Hen Castell dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a moated site. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Hen Castell?

Hen Castell 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 BR056.

What other scheduled monuments are near Hen Castell?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Brake Engine on Hill Pits Tramroad Incline (7.3 km), Pwll Du Tunnel (7.4 km), Old Coal Pits, Blaenavon (7.6 km).

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