Scheduled MonumentsWalesWiston Castle
Medieval · Motte and Bailey

Wiston Castle

Pembrokeshire, Wales
Cadw SAM PE077
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte and Bailey
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Wiston Castle is a motte and bailey fortification located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period of the early twelfth century. The site comprises a substantial earthen mound with an adjoining bailey enclosure, typical of early Norman defensive architecture in Wales, and represents an important example of the military consolidation of Norman power in South Wales during the early medieval period. The castle's strategic location reflects the Norman settlement pattern in Pembrokeshire, where such fortifications served to control territory and secure communication routes. The monument remains substantially preserved as earthworks and is designated under Cadw's schedule of ancient monuments, reflecting its archaeological and historical significance.

Wiston Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference PE077. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Wiston Castle?

Wiston Castle is a motte and bailey fortification located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, dating to the Norman period of the early twelfth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference PE077.

What period does Wiston Castle date from?

Wiston 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 Wiston Castle?

Wiston 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 PE077.

What other scheduled monuments are near Wiston Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Picton Castle Mound (4.7 km), Sister's House (4.7 km), Castle Lake Camp (5.2 km).

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