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 fortification located in Radnorshire, Wales, established in the twelfth century as part of the Anglo-Norman colonisation of the region. The castle comprises an earthen motte with a surrounding bailey, typical of early medieval defensive architecture, though stone structures may have been added in later periods. The site occupies a strategic position overlooking the River Wye, commanding an important crossing point in the Welsh Marches. The castle's remains survive as substantial earthwork features, representing a significant example of Norman military settlement in Radnorshire during the period of English expansion into Wales.

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 fortification located in Radnorshire, Wales, established in the twelfth century as part of the Anglo-Norman colonisation of the region. 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 Britain.

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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