Scheduled MonumentsWalesPen y Cnap Castle
Medieval · Motte

Pen y Cnap Castle

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM151
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Pen y Cnap Castle is a motte situated in Carmarthenshire, Wales, representing a form of Norman fortification characteristic of the late eleventh and twelfth centuries. The site consists of an earthen mound typical of early medieval defensive architecture in Wales, constructed during the period of Norman expansion into Welsh territories. Its location within Carmarthenshire reflects the strategic importance of this region during the establishment of Anglo-Norman control following the conquest of 1066 and subsequent decades of military consolidation. The monument remains a valuable archaeological record of early medieval fortification practices and the defensive landscape of South Wales during the Norman period.

Pen y Cnap Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM151. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Pen y Cnap Castle?

Pen y Cnap Castle is a motte situated in Carmarthenshire, Wales, representing a form of Norman fortification characteristic of the late eleventh and twelfth centuries. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM151.

What period does Pen y Cnap Castle date from?

Pen y Cnap Castle 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 y Cnap Castle?

Pen y Cnap 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 CM151.

What other scheduled monuments are near Pen y Cnap Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Maes y Crug round barrow (2.1 km), Castell Dryslwyn (3.9 km), Pen y Garn Camp (6.4 km).

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