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, Wales. The site consists of a substantial circular or oval rampart with an internal ditch, characteristic of ringwork fortifications that were common in Wales and the Marches during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. It represents the type of fortified settlement constructed during the Norman period of Welsh history, likely serving as a defended residence or administrative centre for a local lord. The earthwork survives as a prominent topographical feature and remains an important example of early medieval defensive architecture in South Wales.

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, Wales. 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 Britain.

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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