Scheduled MonumentsWalesMonmouth Castle
Medieval · Castle

Monmouth Castle

Wales
Cadw SAM MM159
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Monmouth Castle is a Norman fortification founded in the late eleventh century, probably shortly after 1067, on the confluence of the Monmouth and Wye rivers in Monmouthshire, South Wales. The castle comprises a substantial stone keep set within a fortified enclosure, with the distinctive Great Tower or Round Tower dominating the site and dating to the twelfth century. It served as an important strategic stronghold controlling access to the river valleys and became a significant administrative centre for the Norman lordship of Monmouth. The castle remained in use throughout the medieval period and into the early modern era, though it was substantially damaged during the English Civil War, leaving the impressive but ruined keep and associated fortifications that survive today.

Monmouth Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MM159. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Monmouth Castle?

Monmouth Castle is a Norman fortification founded in the late eleventh century, probably shortly after 1067, on the confluence of the Monmouth and Wye rivers in Monmouthshire, South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MM159.

What period does Monmouth Castle date from?

Monmouth 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 Monmouth Castle?

Monmouth 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 MM159.

What other scheduled monuments are near Monmouth Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Trellech Cross Cross-Base (8.9 km), Gaer 594m SW of Trellech Cross (9.2 km), Dovecot at Hygga Farm (9.5 km).

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