Scheduled MonumentsWalesPen Castell
Medieval · Motte

Pen Castell

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM080
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Pen Castell is a motte located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, comprising an earthwork defensive structure typical of the Norman period in Wales. The site represents one of the fortified positions established during the medieval colonisation of South Wales following the Norman invasion, with its physical form consisting of a raised mound that would have supported a timber palisade and defensive structures. The monument dates to the medieval period, reflecting the strategic importance of fortified positions in controlling the landscape during the sometimes contested relationship between Norman lords and Welsh territories. The site survives as an archaeological earthwork of significance to understanding the pattern of medieval defence and settlement in the Carmarthenshire region.

Pen Castell is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM080. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pen Castell?

Pen Castell is a motte located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, comprising an earthwork defensive structure typical of the Norman period in Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM080.

What period does Pen Castell date from?

Pen Castell dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Pen Castell?

Pen Castell 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 CM080.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pen Castell?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Crug Bach Round Barrow (4.4 km), Crug Glas Round Barrow (4.6 km), Gilfach-Fach Round Barrow (5 km).

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