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Castles in Dyfed
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Cardigan Castle
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There was a motte and bailey castle here as early as 1093, though quite where that early Norman structure was located is a matter of conjecture. In 1110 Gilbert de Clare, who was responsible for quite a few of the early Norman castles in Wales, constructed a second fortification on the River Teifi.
Around 1170 Rhys ap Grufudd, Prince of Deheubarth, took control, and transformed Cardigan into the first Welsh-built stone castle. In 1176 Rhys held the first Eisteddfod, or festival celebrating Welsh culture, at Cardigan Castle.
The castle was taken and retaken over the years, as Welsh and Normans vied for supremacy, but it fell into disrepair until finally "slighted" (made uninhabitable) by Parliamentary forces in the English Civil War. Finally, in the 1880's a private mansion was built in the inner bailey, incorporating remains of the castle walls and buildings.
Cardigan,
Dyfed,
Wales
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: off A478
Google map
OS Grid SN177 459
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Carew Castle
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The ruins of Carew Castle stand in majestic splendour on the low banks of the river Carew, near Pembroke.
Gerald of Windsor erected a Norman motte and bailey castle here about 1100, building on a still earlier Iron Age fort. The lovely present castle is based on a 13th century structure begun by Sir Nicholas de Carew. Three towers and the chapel survive from Carew's time, but more obvious are the early Tudor additions of Sir Rhys ap Thomas, including the gatehouse.
It was Thomas who held the last great Welsh tournament of arms here in 1507. More extensive still is the later Tudor remodeling of Sir John Parrot, who added a north range and the beautiful Tudor windows which are Carew's most notable feature. Near the castle is the superb 11th century Carew Cross, one of the finest early medieval Christian monuments in Wales.
Carew,
Tenby,
Dyfed,
Wales, SA70 8SL
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: on A4075
Website: Carew Castle
Email: enquiries@carewcastle.com
Phone: 01646 651 782
Fax: 01646 651 782
Location
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OS Grid SN038 035
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Carmarthen Castle
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There was a Norman castle here as early as 1094, though perhaps in a different location. By 1105 the current castle occupied its perch on an outcrop above the River Tywi. The original motte was augmented by stone defenses in the early 13th century. The curtain wall was added later in that century, and a gatehouse and south-west tower in the 14th century. Carmarthen was sacked by Owain Glyndwr in 1405, and later passed to Edmund Tewdwr, father of the future Henry VII. In the late 18th century the castle was converted to use as a prison.
Carmarthen,
Dyfed,
Wales
Attraction Type: castle
Location: off A40
Email: clgriffiths@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Phone: 0126 7224923
Google map
OS Grid SN413 200
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Carreg Cennen Castle
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A 13th century ruin atop a sheer cliff, Carreg Cennan is one of the most dramatically sited of Welsh castles. It's a stiff climb, but worth it just for the atmosphere. The site may well have been used by the Romans, as finds of Roman coins and even earlier skeletons have been made here. Lord Rhys (Rhys of Deheubarth) built a more permanent castle here in the late 12th century, though it was later taken by Edward I of England in 1277.
The Welsh castle was rebuilt in impressive style by John Giffard. Several towers and portions of the curtain wall still stand, albeit in a crumbling state. Much of the interior buildings have been badly damaged, a result of military action in the Wars of the Roses. One unusual feature of Carreg Cennen is the natural limestone cave beneath the castle, reached by walled passage.
Tyr-y-Castel Farm, Trapp Llandeilo,
Dyfed,
Wales
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: 5 m SE Llandeilo, off A4383
Website: Carreg Cennen Castle
Phone: 01558 822291
Cadw
Google map
OS Grid SN668 191
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Castell Dinerth
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Dinerth was built by the de Clare family - as were so many other Welsh castles - sometime around 1110. It had not long existed before it was burned by Gruffydd ap Rees. That was just the beginning of a violent history, for over the next 90-odd years Dinerth changed hands at least 6 times and was sacked twice more!
Finally in 1102 it was destroyed by Maelgwyn ap Rhys to prevent it falling into the possession of Llewelyn. The site is now overgrown, though the mounds of the castle and the defensive ditches are clearly visible.
Aberarth,
Dyfed,
Wales
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: 2 m SE Aberarth off minor roads
Google map
OS Grid SN495 624
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