Scheduled MonumentsWalesPenrice Ringwork
Medieval · Ringwork

Penrice Ringwork

Wales
Cadw SAM GM053
Period
Medieval
Site type
Ringwork
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Penrice Ringwork is a Medieval defensive earthwork located in Gower, Swansea. The site comprises a ringwork, a fortified enclosure formed by a ditch and bank, typical of Norman frontier defences in Wales dating to the twelfth century. The monument occupies a strategic position within the landscape, reflecting the militarised settlement patterns established following Norman expansion into South Wales. The ringwork represents an important phase of early Medieval fortification before the construction of more substantial stone castles in the region.

Penrice Ringwork is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM053. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Penrice Ringwork?

Penrice Ringwork is a Medieval defensive earthwork located in Gower, Swansea. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM053.

What period does Penrice Ringwork date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Penrice Ringwork?

Penrice 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 GM053.

What other scheduled monuments are near Penrice Ringwork?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Limestone Quarry and Kiln at Oxwich (1.6 km), Tower NE of Oxwich Castle (1.6 km), Castell Oxwich (1.7 km).

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