Scheduled MonumentsWalesPenmaen Burrows Ringwork
Medieval · Ringwork

Penmaen Burrows Ringwork

Wales
Cadw SAM GM129
Period
Medieval
Site type
Ringwork
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Penmaen Burrows Ringwork is a medieval fortified enclosure located in the Gower Peninsula, Swansea. The site comprises a substantial circular or oval earthwork surrounded by a ditch and bank, characteristic of ringwork fortifications constructed during the Norman period in Wales, typically dating to the eleventh or twelfth century. Such ringworks served as defended residences and administrative centres for Norman lords establishing control over conquered territories in South Wales. The earthwork remains a significant example of early medieval military architecture and settlement pattern, reflecting the Norman colonisation of the Gower and the strategic importance of defensive works in consolidating Norman authority in the region.

Penmaen Burrows Ringwork is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM129. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Penmaen Burrows Ringwork?

Penmaen Burrows Ringwork is a medieval fortified enclosure located in the Gower Peninsula, Swansea. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM129.

What period does Penmaen Burrows Ringwork date from?

Penmaen Burrows Ringwork dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a ringwork. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Penmaen Burrows Ringwork?

Penmaen Burrows Ringwork 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 GM129.

What other scheduled monuments are near Penmaen Burrows Ringwork?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Penmaen Burrows Burial Chamber (0.3 km), Penmaen Burrows Church (0.3 km), Bishopston Valley Camp (3.5 km).

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