Scheduled MonumentsWalesPain's Castle
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Pain's Castle

Radnorshire, Wales
Cadw SAM RD006
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Pain's Castle is a motte and bailey castle located in Radnorshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period, likely established in the late eleventh or early twelfth century. The monument consists of a substantial motte with a bailey, representing a typical early Norman defensive structure of the Welsh Marches. The site occupies a strategically important position overlooking the River Ithon valley, which would have served to control communications and settlement in this frontier region. The castle remains visible today as earthwork remains, preserving the characteristic topography of this significant Norman military installation in the Welsh borderlands.

Pain's Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference RD006. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pain's Castle?

Pain's Castle is a motte and bailey castle located in Radnorshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period, likely established in the late eleventh or early twelfth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference RD006.

What period does Pain's Castle date from?

Pain's 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 Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Pain's Castle?

Pain's 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 RD006.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pain's Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Glasbury Old Church (7.3 km), Boughrood Castle (7.8 km), Coed y Polyn round barrow (8 km).

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