Castles in Wales - Mid Wales & Brecon Beacons
There are two castles here, built along a high, narrow ridge overlooking a loop in the River Ithon. The name translates loosely as 'ridge court'. It is possible that the first earthwork defences at Cefnllys were erected by Elystan Glodrydd in the 10th century, but the most commonly accepted version of events is that the powerful Norman lord Roger Mortimer began the first stone fortifications around 1240.
Llandrindod Wells,
Powys,
Wales
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Originally a simple motte and bailey built by the De Turbervilles (see Coity Castle), Crickhowell Castle was remodelled in stone in 1272 by the unlikely-named Sir Grimbald Pauncefote, who married an heiress of the Turberville family and served as the castle governor.
Castle Road,
Crickhowell,
Powys,
Wales
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Heritage Highlight: 13th-century east tower
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This secluded hilltop fortress was built c. 1273-77 by Llewelyn the Last. Until excavations in the 1980s nothing much was known about Dolforwyn, but now the remains of a substantial fortress have been laid bare. But there is more to Dolforwyn than just a castle; Llewelyn established a purpose-built town here, the forerunner of Newtown in the valley below.
Abermule,
Powys,
Wales
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Hay Castle is a partially ruined Norman fortress in the centre of the attractive border town of Hay-on-Wye. The castle is composed of walls, gateway, and a tower, built about 1200, and a 17th century mansion built beside the medieval fortress.
Castle Street,
Hay-on-Wye,
Powys,
Wales, HR3 5DG
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High on a hilltop above the town of Montgomery are the remnants of Montgomery Castle, built in 1223 to guard the Welsh border. At the same time a walled borough was established, but nothing remains of the borough beyond faint traces of earthworks.
Montgomery,
Powys,
Wales
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In a public park in the heart of Newtown stands the remains of a 13th-century motte and bailey castle established by Roger de Mortimer, the founder of Newtown. The motte is overgrown but you can climb to the top and see the earthworks that once defended the castle.
Newtown Hall Park,
Newtown,
Powys,
Wales
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Heritage Highlight: One of the latest castle mottes in Britain?
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This is a stately home and gardens with 700 years of continuous occupation, building, and rebuilding. In fact, it is the only castle of Welsh origin that has remained in continuous habitation throughout its history. The fortress was known as Pool Castle in medieval times.
Welshpool,
Powys,
Wales, SY21 8RF
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Photos
of Powis Castle
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The Warden Castle in Presteigne is a motte and bailey enclosure dating to the middle of the 11th century. In the 18th century, the castle hill was restored as a public pleasure ground, with woodland trails and a bowling green, with footpaths leading through and around the castle earthworks.
Warden Road,
Presteigne,
Powys,
Wales
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Heritage Highlight: Restored remains of an 18th-century pleasure ground
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Rhayader Castle was built in the late 12th century by Lord Rhys of Deheubarth to counter the threat of Norman incursions into his territory. The castle was defended by a rock-cut dry moat on two sides and by steep cliffs on the other sides. Today little more than the moat remains.
Rhayader,
Powys,
Wales
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Two historic properties stand within paces of each other in an idyllic rural landscape at Tretower. A ruined castle with 13th century round keep and late medieval garden share the grounds with a 15th century medieval mansion called Tretower Court, which features fine timberwork and a walled courtyard.
Tretower,
Crickhowell,
Powys,
Wales, NP8 1RD
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