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 motte-and-bailey fortification situated in Powys, Wales, dating to the Norman period of the twelfth century. The site comprises a substantial earthen mound with a flattened summit, characteristic of early medieval defensive architecture, surrounded by a ditch and outer bailey. The castle served as an important stronghold within the lordship of Powys during the Anglo-Norman conquest and settlement of Wales. Though now reduced to earthworks with no surviving stonework, the monument preserves significant archaeological evidence of medieval fortification strategy in the Welsh Marches.

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 motte-and-bailey fortification situated in Powys, Wales, dating to the Norman period of the twelfth century. 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 the UK.

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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