The word castle conjures images of medieval fortresses and knights in shining armour – and Wales is no exception. The country is home to many castles, large and small, that evoke images of fair maidens locked away in towers with views across rolling green hills. One of the most famous is Caerphilly Castle, a fortress built by the Normans near Cardiff in the 12th century that sits on a hill overlooking the river Update October 2018. New information about Conwy Castle and its history has been recently uncovered. This article explores Welsh castles from their origins as fortified homes during the Dark Ages to their heyday during the Victorian era when they were transformed into gothic spectacles fit for kings, queens and princes. We explore where they are located today, what they look like now, who owns them and how you can visit them.
Brecon Castle, Brecon, Wales
Brecon Castle sits on a ridge at the confluence of the rivers Usk and Wye in Wales. The castle was built in stone by the Normans in 1093. Its original name was the Castle of the Fountain during the reign of the Norman king, Henry I. The castle was besieged in 1176 (during the reign of Henry II) by Rhys ap Gruffydd, the Welsh prince of the South, in his campaign against Norman power in South Wales. During the English Civil War, it was also a target for Oliver Cromwell's troops. Brecon Castle was once one of the largest castles in Wales. It is now in ruins, but you can still see the remains of the Great Hall, towers and a dungeon. The ruins of Brecon Castle are open to the public at certain times of the year. You can find out more about visiting this castle at https://www.brecon-castle.co.uk/
Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly, Wales
Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest castles in Wales and the world. It was built by Gilbert de Clare, the Earl of Gloucester, between 1295 and 1314, during the first Welsh Wars. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Britain and is also the oldest of its type in Wales. Caerphilly Castle was one of the last castles to be built in Wales. Inside the walls of Caerphilly Castle. Image Source The castle is made of massive blocks of local limestone, and most of its towers and walls are still standing. It was used as a fort, prison and a place where criminals were executed. Even today, there are gruesome reminders of the gruesome past with a plaque that commemorates the hanging of three Welsh nationalist leaders in the 19th century.
Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales
Chirk Castle was built in the 15th century by the Herberts family as a stronghold against the Normans. It is owned by the National Trust and is open to the public. The castle was built on top of a rocky outcrop, which was once an Iron Age hillfort. To the south of the castle is the River Clywd and to the north is the Chirk Forest. The castle is best known for the ghost of Rhys. The ghost of Rhys can be seen at the castle. Image Source Rhys is a Welsh prince who was murdered and buried in the castle grounds. He was seen wandering the castle grounds with a spade and has been heard digging in the gardens.
Conway Castle, Conway, Wales
Conway Castle is a ruined medieval castle on the coast of North Wales. It was built in the 13th century by the Welsh prince, Madog ap Llywelyn, who was the last Welshman to rule over all of Wales. Conway Castle was built on a rocky headland and is named for the nearby town of Conway. During the English Civil War, the castle was one of the last to fall to Parliamentary forces. It was blown up and left a ruined site. Conway Castle from the air. Image Source Today, only a few walls remain standing. The dunes of the nearby beach have also encroached on the castle, claiming some of the lands. Nevertheless, it’s still a popular tourist destination and is open to the public.
Drysllwyn Castle, Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales
Drysllwyn Castle is a ruined medieval castle located in the village of Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid-Wales. The castle was built in the 13th century by the Norman lord, Gilbert de Clare, the Earl of Gloucester. In 1295, he built another castle at Brecon. The two castles were connected by a wooden bridge that was built above the River Usk. Sadly, the bridge was burnt down during the Welsh Wars. The castle fell into disrepair in the 16th century, and all that remains today are the remains of the gatehouse and one wall. The ruins of Drysllwyn Castle. Image Source You can visit the castle on certain days of the week and take a walk along the river.
Goodrich Castle, Ross-on-Wye, Wales
Goodrich Castle is a ruined medieval castle in the village of Goodrich in South-Western Wales. The castle was once one of the most important strongholds in England and Wales. It was built by the Norman lord, William de Braose, in the 12th century. The de Braose family were dispossessed of the castle after the rising of the Welsh prince, Rhys ap Gruffydd, in the 13th century. It was attacked by the Welsh and the fighting between the two sides left the castle in ruins. The ruins of Goodrich Castle. Image Source Today, the castle is a popular tourist site and is open to the public. You can go inside the ruined walls and see the remains of the towers.