Scheduled MonumentsWalesPenmark Castle
Medieval · Castle

Penmark Castle

Wales
Cadw SAM GM229
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Penmark Castle is a medieval ringwork and bailey fortress located in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. The castle dates from the Norman period, likely established in the twelfth century as part of the Anglo-Norman penetration into South Wales. The monument consists of a substantial earthwork comprising an inner ringwork surrounded by an outer bailey, with defensive banks and ditches that remain visible today. Penmark represents a characteristic example of early Norman castle construction in Wales, where such earthwork fortifications served as administrative and military centres for the newly established Norman lords in the region.

Penmark Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM229. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Penmark Castle?

Penmark Castle is a medieval ringwork and bailey fortress located in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM229.

What period does Penmark Castle date from?

Penmark Castle dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Penmark Castle?

Penmark 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 GM229.

What other scheduled monuments are near Penmark Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including East Orchard Manor House (3.1 km), East Orchard Wood Pillbox (3.2 km), The Bulwarks Camp (3.4 km).

Aubrey Research

Generate a full report for this location

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in the UK — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.

Research the area around Penmark Castle