Scheduled MonumentsWalesManorbier Castle
Medieval · Castle

Manorbier Castle

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE004
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Manorbier Castle is a Norman castle situated in the parish of Manorbier in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, founded in the early twelfth century by the de Barri family. The castle comprises a substantial stone keep with associated domestic and defensive structures arranged within a fortified enclosure, reflecting its development over successive centuries from its Norman foundation through the medieval period. The site gained historical prominence as the birthplace of Gerald of Wales, the twelfth-century cleric and chronicler, whose writings provide valuable contemporary accounts of Norman Wales. The castle remains substantially intact, with its keep and curtain walls surviving as testament to medieval military architecture and the power of the Anglo-Norman lords who controlled this strategically important region of South Wales.

Manorbier Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE004. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Manorbier Castle?

Manorbier Castle is a Norman castle situated in the parish of Manorbier in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, founded in the early twelfth century by the de Barri family. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE004.

What period does Manorbier Castle date from?

Manorbier 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 Manorbier Castle?

Manorbier 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 PE004.

What other scheduled monuments are near Manorbier Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Manorbier Dovecot (0.2 km), King's Quoit Burial Chamber (0.7 km), Radar Station, Old Castle Head (1.5 km).

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