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 fortified site located in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. The castle consists of the remains of a motte-and-bailey earthwork with associated defensive features typical of Norman settlement in South Wales during the twelfth century. The site represents an important example of early medieval military architecture in the region, reflecting the Norman colonisation of Glamorgan following the late eleventh-century conquest. The earthwork survives as a substantial mound with ditches and outer defences, though little masonry remains above ground from later medieval occupation phases.

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 fortified site 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 Britain.

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).

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