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

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Pen Castell is a motte situated near Carmarthen in Carmarthenshire, Wales, representing a form of Norman-period fortification characteristic of the twelfth century. The monument consists of an earthen mound typical of motte-and-bailey castle construction, though evidence of any surviving bailey is limited. As a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw's protection, Pen Castell reflects the pattern of Anglo-Norman military occupation and control across South Wales during the early medieval period. The site's strategic positioning would have served defensive purposes within the broader network of fortifications established to consolidate Norman authority in the 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 situated near Carmarthen in Carmarthenshire, Wales, representing a form of Norman-period fortification characteristic of the twelfth century. 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 the UK.

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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