Scheduled MonumentsWalesRhayader Castle
Medieval · Castle

Rhayader Castle

Radnorshire, Wales
Cadw SAM RD132
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Rhayader Castle is a medieval motte-and-bailey castle situated in Radnorshire, Wales, which dates to the Norman period. The castle was erected in the late twelfth century as part of the Norman expansion into the Welsh marches, overlooking the settlement of Rhayader and the River Wye. The earthwork survives as a substantial mound with associated bailey, though masonry structures have not been substantially preserved on the site. It represents an important example of early Norman defensive architecture in the region and remains a Scheduled Ancient Monument under the care of Cadw.

Rhayader Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference RD132. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Rhayader Castle?

Rhayader Castle is a medieval motte-and-bailey castle situated in Radnorshire, Wales, which dates to the Norman period. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference RD132.

What period does Rhayader Castle date from?

Rhayader 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 Rhayader Castle?

Rhayader 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 RD132.

What other scheduled monuments are near Rhayader Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cairns and Standing Stones on Carnau Cefn-y-Ffordd (7.6 km), Carn-y-Geifr (7.6 km), Saith-Maen Standing Stones (7.9 km).

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