Scheduled MonumentsWalesRuthin Castle
Medieval · Castle

Ruthin Castle

Denbighshire, Wales
Cadw SAM DE022
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Ruthin Castle is a medieval fortress founded in 1277 by Edward I's lieutenant, Reginald de Grey, during the English conquest of Wales. The castle occupies a commanding hilltop position overlooking the market town of Ruthin in the Vale of Clwyd and originally comprised a substantial motte-and-bailey earthwork with stone fortifications, including a gatehouse and curtain walls. The site was substantially developed in the later medieval period with the addition of domestic ranges and further defensive structures. Though slighted during the English Civil War, the castle remained in use and underwent significant Victorian restoration, leaving it today as an important example of late thirteenth-century military architecture adapted for residential purposes over subsequent centuries.

Ruthin Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference DE022. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Ruthin Castle?

Ruthin Castle is a medieval fortress founded in 1277 by Edward I's lieutenant, Reginald de Grey, during the English conquest of Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference DE022.

What period does Ruthin Castle date from?

Ruthin 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 Ruthin Castle?

Ruthin 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 DE022.

What other scheduled monuments are near Ruthin Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Plas-newydd Romano-British temple cropmark (2.7 km), Craig Adwywynt Camp (3.6 km), Pen-y-Gaer Camp (3.6 km).

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