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 on the Pembrokeshire coast near Tenby, dating from the early twelfth century with significant modifications and expansions through the medieval period. Founded by the de Barri family, the castle occupies a naturally defensive promontory overlooking Manorbier Bay and comprises a keep, defensive walls, and associated domestic structures arranged within its curtain walls. The site is particularly notable as the birthplace and childhood home of Gerald of Wales, the prominent twelfth-century cleric and chronicler, whose own writings provide valuable contemporary documentation of the castle and its inhabitants. The castle remains substantially intact, retaining much of its medieval masonry and layout, and represents a well-preserved example of Norman military architecture adapted to coastal defence in 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 on the Pembrokeshire coast near Tenby, dating from the early twelfth century with significant modifications and expansions through the medieval period. 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 the UK.

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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