Wales
Pembrokeshire

Castles

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Benton Castle
Llangwm, Pembrokeshire
A very small 13th century castle enclosure with a round tower.

Camrose Castle
Camrose, Pembrokeshire
A Norman motte and bailey castle dating to the 12th century. The castle was later abandonned and the site of the motte later used for the 14th century manor house.

Carew Castle
In Carew, Dyfed, Tel. 0646 651782
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.

Cilgerran Castle
Cilgerran Castle is operated by Cadw, Welsh Historic Monuments. Most Cadw sites are open 10-6 daily. The castle is approached down a street in the village of Cilgerran, a few miles southeast of Cardigan.
On its far side, it is sited at the top of a deep gorge, gouged out of the countryside by the River Teifi. Tourists used to visit its "romantic ruins" by boating up the river. This Norman castle was lost and re-won many times. It is thought to have been the home, in the early 1100's, of Nest, the "Helen of Wales", who arranged to be kidnapped by her cousin Owain, who had fallen in love with her. She apparently had a succession of lovers. The present castle ruins are early 13th century. Two drum towers are its most notable features.

The village of Cilgerran was first mentioned in recorded history in the early 13th century. During medieval times it was famous for its salmon fishing.

Haverfordwest Castle
In the town of Haverfordwest (A40/A4076) on 80ft high hilltop above the River Cleddau.
Founded in mid 12th century by Gilbert de Clare, parts of the Norman walls remain. A curtain wall on northwest had walls 12 feet thick. Other ruins are two round towers, a chapel, a hall, and a dungeon. A museum and former prison governor's house is located in the ruins (medieval castle made into prison in 18th century).

Llawhaden Castle
A4075, minor road from Canaston Bridge to village of Llawhaden. Cadw. Open site.
This castle was at the centre of the bishops of St David's estates. Destroyed by Welsh in 1192, it was then rebuilt in stone in the1200's and further reconstructed in 14th century into a fortified mansion for the bishops. The ruins include a gatehouse, remains of a great hall, undercroft, chapel, and prison, surrounded by a ditch.

Newport Castle
In the village of Newport on A487. Private but visible from the village.
The castle was founded at end of 12th century by William Fitz Martin, then taken by Llywelyn the Great and later by Llywelyn the Last. The remains date from the 13th century and consist of towers, gatehouse, crypt, and dungeon. A restored gatehouse was made into a home. There is circular ringwork.

Nevern Castle
In Nevern, off A487.
Motte and bailey castle sited on hillside. The large triangular bailey is much overgrown. The castle was originally Welsh, then Norman, then was reconquered by the Welsh.

Pembroke Castle
In Pembroke, Dyfed, Tel. 0646 684585/681510
A Norman castle built by William Marshall, the pre-eminent English knight of the Middle Ages, around 1300. The great keep is still standing to a height of 80 feet. Pembroke Castle is the reputed birthplace of Henry VII.

Picton Castle
3 ½ miles southeast of Haverfordwest, on minor road off A487.
This Edwardian castle had four round towers. A four-storey block was added c1800. Further additions and restorations make it a modern residence with Georgian interiors.

Tenby Castle
In the town of Tenby (A478/B4585) on a rocky headland. Open site.
13th century castle walls remain along with a ruined gate and a tower. The town's defensive walls are well preserved.

Wiston Castle
Minor roads off A40, east of Haverfordwest. Cadw. Open site on high hill.
The ruined motte and bailey castle's remains consist of a circular ditch, stone wall, and arched entrance.

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Photo Credits - Carew Castle © Barbara Ballard, Cilgerran Castle courtesy of Cadw, Pembroke Castle courtesy of Wales Tourist Board