Scheduled MonumentsWalesTwm-Barlwm Mound and Bailey Castle
Medieval · Motte

Twm-Barlwm Mound and Bailey Castle

Wales
Cadw SAM MM044
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Twm-Barlwm Motte and Bailey Castle is a medieval fortification located in Caerphilly, Wales, comprising a prominent motte standing approximately 65 feet high with a surrounding bailey. The site dates to the Norman period, likely constructed in the twelfth century as part of the broader Norman military expansion into South Wales. The motte's substantial height and steep slopes are characteristic of early Norman defensive architecture, designed to command views across the surrounding landscape and provide a defensible strongpoint for territorial control. The site represents an important example of motte and bailey fortification in the Welsh Valleys region and has been designated as a scheduled ancient monument under Cadw's protection.

Twm-Barlwm Mound and Bailey Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference MM044. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Twm-Barlwm Mound and Bailey Castle?

Twm-Barlwm Motte and Bailey Castle is a medieval fortification located in Caerphilly, Wales, comprising a prominent motte standing approximately 65 feet high with a surrounding bailey. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference MM044.

What period does Twm-Barlwm Mound and Bailey Castle date from?

Twm-Barlwm Mound and Bailey Castle 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 Twm-Barlwm Mound and Bailey Castle?

Twm-Barlwm 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 MM044.

What other scheduled monuments are near Twm-Barlwm Mound and Bailey Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Ruperra Hillfort and Motte (6.2 km), Ruperra Castle lower summerhouse remains (6.3 km), Croes Carn Einion Roman Site (6.4 km).

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