Scheduled MonumentsWalesMathrafal Castle
Medieval · Castle

Mathrafal Castle

Wales
Cadw SAM MG044
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Mathrafal Castle is a twelfth-century stronghold situated in Powys, Wales, serving as a significant fortification within the medieval Welsh principality of Powys. The castle comprises earthwork remains including a motte and bailey structure, characteristic of Norman and early medieval Welsh defensive architecture. Built during the period of Anglo-Norman expansion into Wales, Mathrafal functioned as an important administrative and military centre for the rulers of Powys, reflecting the political conflicts of the era. The site is now protected as a scheduled monument, preserving evidence of medieval Welsh-Norman settlement patterns and castle development in the region.

Mathrafal Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MG044. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Mathrafal Castle?

Mathrafal Castle is a twelfth-century stronghold situated in Powys, Wales, serving as a significant fortification within the medieval Welsh principality of Powys. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MG044.

What period does Mathrafal Castle date from?

Mathrafal 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 Mathrafal Castle?

Mathrafal 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 MG044.

What other scheduled monuments are near Mathrafal Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Pentre Camp (1.9 km), Cefn-Du Camp (2.3 km), Pen y Coed Hillfort, Cyfronydd (3.9 km).

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