Medieval · Motte

Hen Domen

Wales
Cadw SAM MG103
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Hen Domen is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Powys, Wales, occupying a strategically important position in the upper Severn valley. The site dates principally to the Norman period following 1066, when it was established as part of the wider Norman expansion into Wales, and represents a typical example of early Norman defensive architecture in the Welsh borderlands. The monument comprises a substantial earthen mound with an associated bailey, which would have originally supported timber fortifications. Archaeological investigation and excavation have revealed evidence of occupation spanning several centuries, making Hen Domen one of the most studied motte-and-bailey castles in Wales and providing valuable insight into the material culture and defensive strategies of the Norman conquest period.

Hen Domen is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MG103. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Hen Domen?

Hen Domen is a motte-and-bailey castle situated in Powys, Wales, occupying a strategically important position in the upper Severn valley. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MG103.

What period does Hen Domen date from?

Hen Domen 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 Hen Domen?

Hen Domen 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 MG103.

What other scheduled monuments are near Hen Domen?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Collfryn Enclosure & Field System (2.4 km), Offa's Dyke: Section extending 3000m SE to Bele Brook, Llandrinio (4.6 km), Gaer Fawr (6 km).

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