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 and bailey castle mound located near Bala in Meirionnydd, Gwynedd, Wales. The earthwork dates to the Norman period, likely constructed in the twelfth century during the Anglo-Norman expansion into North Wales. The monument comprises a prominent mound characteristic of motte-and-bailey fortifications, representing an important example of Norman defensive architecture in the region. The site reflects the strategic efforts undertaken to control the Welsh territories during the medieval period.

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 and bailey castle mound 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 the UK.

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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