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 fortification located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, dating to the Norman period of Welsh castle construction. The castle comprises earthwork defences including a motte and bailey arrangement, typical of early Norman military architecture in Wales from the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Its strategic position in Glamorgan reflects the Norman lords' efforts to consolidate control over South Wales following the Norman Conquest, serving as a significant defensive stronghold in the region during the medieval period. The site remains an important archaeological monument illustrating early Norman settlement and military strategy in Wales.

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 fortification located in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, dating to the Norman period of Welsh castle construction. 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 the UK.

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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