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 occupying a prominent headland position within the walled town of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The castle was established in the late 13th century as a stone-built stronghold, with surviving remains including substantial sections of curtain walling and towers that demonstrate its original defensive design. The site commands views over Tenby's harbour and the coastal approaches, reflecting its strategic importance in controlling both maritime trade and military access during the medieval period. The castle's position within the later town defences shows how the settlement's fortifications evolved, with the castle forming an integral component of Tenby's wider medieval defensive system.

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 occupying a prominent headland position within the walled town of 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 the UK.

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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