Scheduled MonumentsWalesPen y Castell Mound & Bailey Castle
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Pen y Castell Mound & Bailey Castle

Wales
Cadw SAM MG083
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Pen y Castell Mound and Bailey Castle is a motte and bailey fortification located in Wales and designated as a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw reference MG083. The site consists of the characteristic two-part earthwork typical of Norman and early medieval military architecture, comprising a raised mound (motte) surmounted by defensive works and an attached lower courtyard (bailey) enclosed by banks and ditches. As a motte and bailey castle, it represents the widespread pattern of fortification construction across Wales from the late eleventh century onwards, when such structures served as strongpoints for military control and territorial administration. The earthwork remains visible as a substantial upstanding monument, preserving the physical testimony of medieval defensive strategy in the Welsh landscape.

Pen y Castell Mound & Bailey Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MG083. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pen y Castell Mound & Bailey Castle?

Pen y Castell Mound and Bailey Castle is a motte and bailey fortification located in Wales and designated as a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw reference MG083. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MG083.

What period does Pen y Castell Mound & Bailey Castle date from?

Pen y Castell Mound & 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.

Who is responsible for protecting Pen y Castell Mound & Bailey Castle?

Pen y Castell Mound & 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 MG083.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pen y Castell Mound & Bailey Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Penyclun Lead Mine (5.2 km), Waun Lluest Owain Round Hut and Long Hut (7.1 km), Domen Ddu Round Barrow (7.1 km).

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