Scheduled MonumentsWalesTrefenty Mound and Bailey Castle
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Trefenty Mound and Bailey Castle

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM143
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Trefenty Mound and Bailey Castle is a motte and bailey earthwork located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, representing a form of fortification characteristic of the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. The monument consists of the raised mound typical of motte and bailey construction, with the associated bailey or defended enclosure, though the castle has not survived in stone form. Such structures were rapidly constructed to establish Norman military control and administrative presence in conquered Welsh territories during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. The site remains archaeologically significant as physical evidence of the early medieval defence strategy employed during the Norman penetration into South Wales.

Trefenty Mound and Bailey Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM143. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Trefenty Mound and Bailey Castle?

Trefenty Mound and Bailey Castle is a motte and bailey earthwork located in Carmarthenshire, Wales, representing a form of fortification characteristic of the Norman period following the conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM143.

What period does Trefenty Mound and Bailey Castle date from?

Trefenty 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 Trefenty Mound and Bailey Castle?

Trefenty 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 CM143.

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

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Delacorse Uchaf Standing Stone (2.1 km), Hillslope Enclosure at Laugharne Park Holiday Village (2.5 km), Laugharne Castle (2.8 km).

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