Scheduled MonumentsWalesTrecastle Mound and Bailey Castle
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Trecastle Mound and Bailey Castle

Breconshire, Wales
Cadw SAM BR026
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Trecastle Mound and Bailey Castle is a motte and bailey fortification located in Breconshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period following the Anglo-Norman conquest and settlement of South Wales. The monument comprises a substantial earthen mound with an associated bailey enclosure, typical of the rapid fortification strategy employed by Norman lords to consolidate control over newly conquered Welsh territories during the late eleventh and twelfth centuries. The site's prominent position in the landscape reflects its strategic importance in the lordship of Brecon, serving as both a defensive stronghold and a visible symbol of Norman authority in the region. The earthworks survive in recognisable form, preserving evidence of this crucial period of military expansion and cultural change in medieval Wales.

Trecastle Mound and Bailey Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference BR026. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Trecastle Mound and Bailey Castle?

Trecastle Mound and Bailey Castle is a motte and bailey fortification located in Breconshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period following the Anglo-Norman conquest and settlement of South Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference BR026.

What period does Trecastle Mound and Bailey Castle date from?

Trecastle Mound and Bailey Castle dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte and bailey. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Trecastle Mound and Bailey Castle?

Trecastle Mound and Bailey 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 BR026.

What other scheduled monuments are near Trecastle Mound and Bailey Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Waunewydd standing stone (5.8 km), Garn Las ring cairn (6.8 km), Garn Las platform cairn (7 km).

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