Description

The monument consists of the remains of a castle, dating to the medieval period. A castle is a defended residence or stronghold, built mainly of stone, in which the principal or sole defence comprises the walls and towers bounding the site. Some form of keep may have stood within the enclosure but these were not significant in defensive terms and served mainly to provide accommodation.

Hawarden Castle consists of a masonry castle built upon an earlier motte and bailey castle. The earlier castle was constructed by Hugh, Earl of Chester, and consists of a steep sided conical mound with a bailey to the north-east. The masonry castle was constructed from c.1297, and was partially demolished c.1660. The remaining structure includes a shell keep on the motte, a curtain wall around the bailey, and a hall with an elaborate barbican. The site has been greatly affected by the landscaping associated with Hawarden Castle Park.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval defensive practices. The monument is well-preserved and an important relic of the medieval landscape. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of both structural evidence and intact associated deposits.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.

Source: Cadw