Scheduled MonumentsWalesTomen y Bala Castle Mound
Medieval · Motte

Tomen y Bala Castle Mound

Meirionnydd, Wales
Cadw SAM ME016
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Tomen y Bala is a motte castle located near Bala in Meirionnydd, Gwynedd, Wales. The monument consists of a substantial earthen mound typical of Norman motte-and-bailey fortifications, erected during the medieval period as a defensive stronghold. Its construction reflects the military strategy employed in the Norman conquest and consolidation of Wales, particularly in the control of the Bala valley and the upper Dee region. The site survives as a prominent upstanding earthwork and remains an important example of early medieval military architecture in north Wales.

Tomen y Bala Castle Mound is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference ME016. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Tomen y Bala Castle Mound?

Tomen y Bala is a motte castle located near Bala in Meirionnydd, Gwynedd, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference ME016.

What period does Tomen y Bala Castle Mound date from?

Tomen y Bala Castle Mound dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Tomen y Bala Castle Mound?

Tomen y Bala Castle Mound 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 ME016.

What other scheduled monuments are near Tomen y Bala Castle Mound?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Llanfor Roman Fort and Camps (revealed by Aerial Photography) (0.8 km), Castell Gronw Castle Mound (1.1 km), Pen-Ucha'r-Llan Ringwork (1.3 km).

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