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Norton Mound and Bailey Castle is a medieval motte and bailey located in Wales and protected by Cadw under reference RD056. The monument comprises the characteristic two-part earthwork of its type: a raised mound, or motte, designed to support a defensive structure, and an adjoining lower enclosure, or bailey, which would have accommodated domestic and military functions. The site's substantial earthworks remain prominent features in the landscape today.
The castle was constructed on bedrock composed of Pridoli rocks—undifferentiated mudstone, siltstone and sandstone formations dating to the Pridoli period. These ancient sedimentary layers provided the underlying geological foundation upon which the Norman-style fortification was built, contributing to the stability of the earthwork's steep sides and defensive profile characteristic of motte and bailey designs.
The monument represents the tradition of motte and bailey construction that spread throughout medieval Wales following the Norman conquest of England, a fortification type that proved effective for rapid establishment of military authority and territorial control. Its preservation under Cadw's stewardship ensures this significant example of medieval military architecture remains available for historical study and public access.
Norton Mound And Bailey Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference RD056. View the official record →
Norton Mound and Bailey Castle is a medieval motte and bailey located in Wales and protected by Cadw under reference RD056.
Norton Mound And Bailey Castle dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte and bailey. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.
Norton Mound And Bailey 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 RD056.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Churchyard cross in St Michael's churchyard (7 km), Offa's Dyke: section S of Riddings Brook on Herrock Hill (7.3 km), Offa's Dyke: Rushock Hill section, extending 1630yds (1490m) E to Kennel Wood (7.8 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 13 strands of Norton Mound And Bailey Castle's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Norton Mound And Bailey Castle stands on Pridoli Rocks (Undifferentiated), bedrock that formed in the Pridoli. The rock here is mudstone, siltstone and sandstone.