Scheduled MonumentsWalesTenby Castle
Medieval · Castle

Tenby Castle

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE163
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Tenby Castle is a medieval fortification situated on a headland at Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The castle was established in the late 11th or early 12th century as part of the Norman defensive network in South Wales, with the surviving stonework dating principally to the 13th century. The site comprises the remains of a stone-built castle with defensive walls and towers that once commanded the harbour and settlement below, reflecting its strategic importance in controlling maritime access and the surrounding territory. The castle represents a significant example of medieval military architecture adapted to coastal defence and served as a crucial stronghold during the medieval period, though it was substantially ruined by the 17th century.

Tenby Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE163. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Tenby Castle?

Tenby Castle is a medieval fortification situated on a headland at Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE163.

What period does Tenby Castle date from?

Tenby 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 Tenby Castle?

Tenby 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 PE163.

What other scheduled monuments are near Tenby Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Black Rock Quarry Lime Kilns (1.6 km), The Watchtower (1.6 km), Sculptured Stone Cross in Church (2.4 km).

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