Scheduled MonumentsWalesPembroke Castle
Medieval · Castle

Pembroke Castle

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE005
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Pembroke Castle is a substantial Norman stronghold founded in the late eleventh century by Arnulf of Montgomery, strategically positioned on a narrow peninsula commanding the waters of Pembroke River in south-west Wales. The castle's most distinctive feature is its great cylindrical keep, erected in the early thirteenth century under William Marshal, which rises approximately seventy-five feet and represents one of the finest examples of Norman military architecture in Britain. The extensive outer ward, defended by a circuit of stone walls and towers, developed over successive centuries and reflects the castle's evolving role as a royal fortress and administrative centre. Pembroke remained a significant stronghold throughout the medieval period and witnessed important historical moments, including the birth of Henry VII in 1457, before declining in military importance during the early modern era.

Pembroke Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE005. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pembroke Castle?

Pembroke Castle is a substantial Norman stronghold founded in the late eleventh century by Arnulf of Montgomery, strategically positioned on a narrow peninsula commanding the waters of Pembroke River in south-west Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE005.

What period does Pembroke Castle date from?

Pembroke 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 Pembroke Castle?

Pembroke 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 PE005.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pembroke Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Sampson Cross Standing Stone (5.6 km), Stackpole Farm Standing Stone (5.9 km), Stackpole Warren Standing Stone (6.6 km).

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