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Castles in Gwent
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Abergavenny Castle
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One of the earliest Norman castles in Wales, Abergavenny dates to 1081. Four substantial towers remain, with a 14th century gatehouse and barbican. The motte is surmounted by a Victorian mock keep, built on the remains of the original 12th century version. During the late 12th century the castle was owned by William de Braose, one of the most notoriously cruel of the Norman Marcher Lords.
Museum: The museum is housed in the courtard of the town's medieval castle, and traces the history of the town and its surrounding area.
Castle Street,
Abergavenny,
Gwent,
Wales, NP7 5EE
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: on A40
Website: Abergavenny Castle
Email: abergavennymuseum@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Phone: 01873 854282
Cadw
Location
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OS Grid SO298 139
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Caerphilly Castle
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Caerphilly, covering 30 acres (12.2ha), is one of the greatest surviving castles in the medieval Western world. It was a highpoint in medieval defensive architecture with its massive gatehouses and water features. It was built by Earl Gilbert de Clare, beginning in 1268, to frighten Llwelyn, the last native Prince of Wales, from fighting the Normans in the southern part of Wales. It was then used as a model for Edward I's castles in North Wales. Crafty Llwelyn seized it when it was half finished, but it was soon back in Norman hands. After Llwelyn's defeat and death, the Welsh threat substantially ended, and the castle became the administrative centre for de Clare's estates.
Edward II spent time here. Caerphilly, being uncomfortable for a family residence, eventually decayed, and stone was taken to build a nearby country house. The Victorian Bute family coal money rescued and restored the castle. An informative Castles of Wales exhibition is located in one tower. Working replicas of siege engines are on the grounds. There is an AV tour available.
Caerphilly,
Gwent,
Wales, CF8 1JL
Attraction Type: Castle
Website: Caerphilly Castle
Cadw
Location
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OS Grid ST156 871
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Caldicot Castle
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More than one castle calls Caldicot home. The earliest, now lost, was erected in Saxon times. On the site of that earlier fortress the Normans erected a motte and bailey castle in 1086. Henry de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, built a stone keep atop the motte in 1221, plus a curtain wall and two corner towers. Later a two-story gatehouse with portcullis entry was erected. In the mid 14th century a great hall was added (now sadly almost entirely disappeared). The impressive Great Gatehouse was added by Thomas Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, around 1390.
The castle passed through many owners until the antiquarian JR Cobb aquired it in 1855. Cobb restored Caldicot to its medieval grandeur, and today it is one of Wales' heritage treasures. The buildings sit in the midst of 55 acres of landscaped parkland, and visitors can enjoy a regular programme of medieval banquet evenings.
Church Road,
Caldicot,
Newport,
Gwent,
Wales, NP6 4HU
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: signposted from B4245
Website: Caldicot Castle
Email: caldicotcastle@monmouthshire.gov.uk
Phone: 01291 420241
Fax: 01291 435094
Location
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OS Grid ST487 885
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Raglan Castle
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Traditional home of the Somersets, Earls of Worcester, Raglan was one of the very last castles built in Britain, begun in 1435 by William ap Thomas. It is part castle, part palace, with far more attention to comfort than early castles. However, it was certainly built for defense as well, for it took one of the longest sieges of the Civil War to subdue it. Cromwell's engineers did their best to destroy the massive Great Tower, but failed. Look for the ornate window and huge fireplace in the hall.
Raglan,
Gwent,
Wales, NP5 2BT
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: off A40 eastbound
Website: Raglan Castle
Phone: 01291 690228
Cadw
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OS Grid SO411 080
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Skenfrith Castle
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The remains - a defensive ditch and walls of the keep - of the original castle, on which the 13th stone one was built, were discovered during excavations. What we see now was built by Hubert de Burgh, who had ambitions to be an important marcher lord. The most noticeable feature of the castle is the circular keep, where the living quarters were located, in the middle of the rectangular ward. Remains include signs of a fireplace, windows, corbels, and a garderobe. Only basement levels of other living quarters survive.
Skenfrith,
Gwent,
Wales
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: on B4521 at Skenfrith on the Welsh side of the Monnow River
Website: Skenfrith Castle
Cadw
Google map
OS Grid SO458 202
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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