Scheduled MonumentsWalesKnighton Mound & Bailey Castle
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Knighton Mound & Bailey Castle

Radnorshire, Wales
Cadw SAM RD053
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Knighton Mound and Bailey Castle is a motte and bailey fortification situated in Radnorshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. The site comprises an earthen mound with an associated bailey, representing a typical form of early Norman military settlement in the Welsh Marches. The monument reflects the defensive strategy employed by Norman lords seeking to establish control over the border territories during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Such structures served as administrative and military centres, though Knighton's mound and bailey have not been substantially developed into stone architecture, remaining as earthwork remains that demonstrate the original form of Norman fortification in the region.

Knighton Mound & Bailey Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference RD053. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Knighton Mound & Bailey Castle?

Knighton Mound and Bailey Castle is a motte and bailey fortification situated in Radnorshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference RD053.

What period does Knighton Mound & Bailey Castle date from?

Knighton Mound & Bailey Castle dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte and bailey. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Knighton Mound & Bailey Castle?

Knighton Mound & Bailey 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 RD053.

What other scheduled monuments are near Knighton Mound & Bailey Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Norton Mound And Bailey Castle (5.4 km), Offa's Dyke: Section extending 1125m SW to Gilfach Wood (6.3 km), Offa's Dyke: Section from Whitton-Presteigne Road to River Lugg (6.8 km).

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