Scheduled MonumentsWalesLlanblethian Castle
Medieval · Castle

Llanblethian Castle

Wales
Cadw SAM GM094
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Llanblethian Castle is a medieval fortress located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, with origins in the Norman period. The castle comprises a motte-and-bailey earthwork, characteristic of early Norman defensive architecture in South Wales, with substantial surviving earthen ramparts that define its layout. The site was likely established in the twelfth century as part of the Norman consolidation of Glamorgan, serving as a strategic stronghold in the region. The castle's earthwork fortifications, though lacking substantial stone structures today, represent an important example of early medieval military architecture in Wales and remain a significant archaeological monument protected under Cadw's Schedule of Ancient Monuments.

Llanblethian Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM094. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Llanblethian Castle?

Llanblethian Castle is a medieval fortress located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, with origins in the Norman period. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM094.

What period does Llanblethian Castle date from?

Llanblethian Castle dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Llanblethian Castle?

Llanblethian 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 GM094.

What other scheduled monuments are near Llanblethian Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including West Orchard Manor House (6.3 km), Deserted Medieval Village North East of Rock Farm (6.8 km), East Orchard Manor House (7.3 km).

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