Scheduled MonumentsWalesKenfig Castle & Medieval Town
Medieval · Castle

Kenfig Castle & Medieval Town

Wales
Cadw SAM GM042
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Kenfig Castle is a medieval fortified settlement located in Glamorgan, South Wales, comprising a Norman castle and associated town established in the twelfth century. The castle was founded shortly after the Norman conquest of Glamorgan and served as an important administrative and defensive centre for the lordship, featuring a motte-and-bailey earthwork with stone structures built during the medieval period. The associated town, which developed around the castle, represents a planned medieval settlement typical of Anglo-Norman colonisation in Wales. The site was gradually abandoned following the sixteenth century, with sand dunes eventually engulfing much of the settlement, preserving substantial archaeological remains that continue to yield evidence of medieval occupation and urban planning.

Kenfig Castle & Medieval Town is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM042. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Kenfig Castle & Medieval Town?

Kenfig Castle is a medieval fortified settlement located in Glamorgan, South Wales, comprising a Norman castle and associated town established in the twelfth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM042.

What period does Kenfig Castle & Medieval Town date from?

Kenfig Castle & Medieval Town dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Kenfig Castle & Medieval Town?

Kenfig Castle & Medieval Town 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 GM042.

What other scheduled monuments are near Kenfig Castle & Medieval Town?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Sculptured Cross Llanmihangel Farm (1.5 km), Leat & Dam at Llanmihangel Mill (2 km), Pyle Incised Stone (2.1 km).

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