Scheduled MonumentsWalesLlanthomas Castle Mound
Medieval · Motte

Llanthomas Castle Mound

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR078
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Llanthomas Castle Mound is a motte situated in Breconshire, Wales, representing medieval defensive earthwork architecture typical of Norman settlement patterns in South Wales. The monument consists of a prominent artificial mound, characteristic of motte-and-bailey fortification design, which served as a stronghold during the period of Anglo-Norman expansion and consolidation in Wales during the eleventh to thirteenth centuries. Its location in Breconshire places it within a region of considerable strategic importance, where such mottes were instrumental in establishing Norman military control over conquered Welsh territories. The earthwork survives as an important archaeological record of medieval fortification practice and the territorial ambitions of Norman lords operating in the Welsh March.

Llanthomas Castle Mound is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR078. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Llanthomas Castle Mound?

Llanthomas Castle Mound is a motte situated in Breconshire, Wales, representing medieval defensive earthwork architecture typical of Norman settlement patterns in South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR078.

What period does Llanthomas Castle Mound date from?

Llanthomas Castle Mound dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Llanthomas Castle Mound?

Llanthomas Castle Mound 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 BR078.

What other scheduled monuments are near Llanthomas Castle Mound?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Garden Earthworks at Old Gwernyfed (4.7 km), Pipton Long Barrow (5.8 km), Two bowl barrows and a lime kiln 220m west of Llan Oleu (6 km).

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