Scheduled MonumentsWalesLlandow Castle-Ringwork
Medieval · Ringwork

Llandow Castle-Ringwork

Wales
Cadw SAM GM515
Period
Medieval
Site type
Ringwork
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Llandow Castle-Ringwork is a medieval ringwork situated in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, dating to the Norman period of Welsh settlement and fortification. The monument comprises an oval or circular earthwork with a substantial defensive bank and internal ditch, typical of early Norman defensive structures established in South Wales during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. Its form reflects the military architecture employed by Norman settlers to secure newly conquered territories in the region, serving as a more economical alternative to stone castles whilst providing effective local defence. The site remains an important example of Norman ringwork fortifications in South Wales and is protected as a scheduled ancient monument under the care of Cadw.

Llandow Castle-Ringwork is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM515. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Llandow Castle-Ringwork?

Llandow Castle-Ringwork is a medieval ringwork situated in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, dating to the Norman period of Welsh settlement and fortification. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM515.

What period does Llandow Castle-Ringwork date from?

Llandow Castle-Ringwork dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a ringwork. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Llandow Castle-Ringwork?

Llandow Castle-Ringwork 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 GM515.

What other scheduled monuments are near Llandow Castle-Ringwork?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St. Illtud's Church, Early Medieval Cross, Cross Shafts and Pillar (5.1 km), Llantwit Major Gatehouse (5.1 km), The Chantry House (5.1 km).

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