Scheduled MonumentsWalesLaugharne Castle
Medieval · Castle

Laugharne Castle

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM003
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Laugharne Castle is a medieval fortress situated in the town of Laugharne in Carmarthenshire, Wales, commanding a strategic position overlooking the Tâf estuary. The castle originated in the Norman period, likely in the early twelfth century, though it underwent substantial modification and expansion during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, particularly under the lordship of the de Brian family. The surviving structure comprises a circular keep and associated defensive works set within a fortified enclosure, exemplifying the strategic importance placed on coastal defence during the medieval period. The castle remained a significant stronghold until its decline in the late medieval period, and its ruins today represent an important testimony to Norman military architecture in South Wales.

Laugharne Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM003. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Laugharne Castle?

Laugharne Castle is a medieval fortress situated in the town of Laugharne in Carmarthenshire, Wales, commanding a strategic position overlooking the Tâf estuary. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM003.

What period does Laugharne Castle date from?

Laugharne Castle 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 Laugharne Castle?

Laugharne 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 CM003.

What other scheduled monuments are near Laugharne Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Hillslope Enclosure at Laugharne Park Holiday Village (0.6 km), Delacorse Uchaf Standing Stone (1.1 km), Llansadurnen Cross-Incised Stone & Other Stones (3.2 km).

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