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List of castles in Wales

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Further information on Welsh castles: Castles in Great Britain and Ireland
Caernarfon Castle
Dolbadarn Castle
A reconstruction of Holt Castle in 1495

Wales is sometimes called the "castle capital of the world" because of the large number of castles in a relatively small area.[1][2] Wales had about 600 castles,[3] of which over 100 are still standing, either as ruins or as restored buildings. The rest have returned to nature, and today consist of ditches, mounds, and earthworks, often in commanding positions. Many of the sites in Wales are cared for by Cadw, the Welsh government's historic environment service.

The four castles of Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech together make up the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site, considered to be the "finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe".[4]

Bridgend

[edit]

Castles of which only earthworks, fragments, or nothing remains include:

Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Candleston Castle Candleston Castle 2009 Fortified manor house 14th century Ruined Only the tower remains of a C14 fortified manor house built by the de Cantelupes.[6]
Coity Castle Coity Castle, Nr Bridgend Keep and bailey 12th - 14th centuries Ruined Cadw Prominently sited above Heol West Plas, Coity Castle was founded in the early twelfth century and was granted to the Norman family of Turberville.[7]
Kenfig Castle Ruins of Kenfig Castle Keep and bailey 12th century Fragmentary remains The scanty remains of Kenfig Castle, a once great medieval fortress, rise from the dunes beside the Cynfig river.[8]
Llangynwyd Castle Overgrown ruins of Llangynwyd Castle 12th century Fragmentary remains At Llangynwyd the remains of a once splendid medieval fortress are now reduced to scanty ruins and earthworks.[9]
Newcastle Newcastle Castle - Bridgend Enclosure castle 12th century Ruined Cadw The castle's most outstanding feature is its complete Norman doorway, which greets the visitor approaching the castle from the south.[10]

Caerphilly

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Caerphilly Castle Caerphilly Castle Concentric castle 13th - 14th century Ruined, with partial restoration Cadw Caerphilly is the largest medieval castle in Wales and one of the most impressive in Europe.[11]
Morgraig Castle Ruins of Castell Morgraig Enclosure castle 13th century Fragmentary remains Built between 1243 and 1267, the form of the castle is unusual and has no comparisons elsewhere. Debate has centred on whether the castle was built by the Welsh Lords of Senghenydd, or by the Norman Lords of Glamorgan.[12][13]
Ruperra Castle Ruperra Castle Mock castle 17th century Ruined Private Built c1626 by Sir Thomas Morgan, steward to the Earl of Pembroke, and the latest example of the Elizabethan and Jacobean court taste for castellated mansions.[14]
Ruperra Motte Ruperra Castle Motte and bailey 12th century Ruined, with partial restoration Ruperra Conservation Trust The site includes remains of a medieval castle motte on a much earlier Iron Age hillfort.[15]

Cardiff

[edit]

Castles of which only earthworks or nothing remains include:

Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Cardiff Castle Cardiff Castle Shell Keep 11th century Ruined, with partial restoration Cardiff Council Cardiff Castle was established within the walls of a mighty Roman fort by William I of England in about 1081.[16]
Castell Coch Castell Coch - exterior Gothic Revival 19th century (Originally 11th century) Intact Cadw Castell Coch, located on a prominent wooded hillside overlooking the Taff Valley and the northern part of Cardiff, is a remarkable blend of solid medieval masonry and High Victorian Gothic fantasy.[17]
St Fagans Castle St Fagans Castle Enclosure castle 13th century Ruined National Museum Wales The remains of the medieval castle at St Fagans include the southern part of a stone curtain wall. The enclosure is currently overlain by an Elizabethan mansion, with part of the surviving curtain serving to define its forecourt.[18]
Bishop's Palace, Llandaff St Fagans Castle Concentric castle 13th century Ruined Cardiff Council Bishop's Palace is also known as Llandaff Castle or Bishop's Castle[19][20]

Carmarthenshire

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Castles of which only earthworks or nothing remains include:[21]

  • Allt y Ferin
  • Banc y Bettws
  • Bank Llwyndomen
  • Castell Aber Cafwy
  • Castell Bach
  • Castell Du
  • Castell Llwyn Bedw
  • Castell Mawr
  • Castell Meurig
  • Castell Moel
  • Castell Nonni
  • Castell Pencader
  • Castell y Domen
  • Castell y Garreg
  • Castell y Rhingyll
  • Castelldwyran
  • Garn Fawr Motte
  • Glan Mynys Mount
  • Hendy Castle
  • Llanddowror Motte
  • Llandre Egremont
  • Llanelli Old Castle
  • Llanglydwen
  • Llanllwni Mount
  • Parc y Domen
  • Pen y Cnap
  • Pencastell
  • Roche Castle
  • St Clears
  • Talley Mound
  • Tir y Dail Motte
  • Tomenlawddog
  • Tomenseba
  • Waun Ddu
  • Waun Tympath
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Carmarthen Castle Main gateway to Castell Caerfyrddin / Carmarthen Castle Shell Keep 11th century Ruined Carmarthenshire Council Remains of the high medieval castle, including a shell keep, gatehouse and two towers, are obscured by modern buildings, notably County Hall.[22]
Carreg Cennen Castle Carreg Cennen Castle Enclosure castle 13th century Ruined Cadw Spectacularly set on a crag over the upper Cennen valley. A vaulted passage runs from the SE corner to a cave below E outer ward.[23]
Dinefwr Castle The circular keep of Dinefwr Castle 12th century Cadw Dinefwr castle is thought to have been founded in the later twelfth century by Rhys ap Gruffudd, the Lord Rhys, and became known as the traditional capital of Dyfed.[24]
Dryslwyn Castle Dryslwyn Castle 13th century Cadw The shattered ruins of a medieval castle crown the ultimate summit of a dramatically isolated and abrupt hill rising from the Tywi floodplain.[25]
Kidwelly Castle The great gatehouse, Kidwelly Castle 12th century and earlier Cadw Kidwelly Castle is an imposing ruin, situated on a scarp above the upper tidal limit of the Gwendraeth Fach Estuary, and considered one of the finest castles in Wales.[26]
Laugharne Castle Laugharne Castle 13th century Cadw The castle of Laugharne was built by the Anglo-Normans in the early twelfth century and is probably mentioned in 1116, but the existing ruins are thirteenth century and later.[27]
Llandovery Castle Llandovery Castle 11th century Llandovery Castle is a motte and bailey castle first mentioned in 1113. Extensive remains of masonry walls and towers occupy the motte, and a shell keep enclosure is represented by half-buried footings.[28]
Llansteffan Castle Llansteffan Castle 12th century Cadw Prominently situated on a rocky promontery, overlooking the mouth of the Tywi. Substantial and impressive remains of a rubble masonry castle dating from the C12 to C15.[29]
Castell Moel Castell Moel from Llansteffan Road 16th century Shattered ruins of a possibly 16th but probably 17th century house ruins; an early wing was incorporated into large cruciform renaissance house.[30]
Newcastle Emlyn Castle Newcastle Emlyn Castle 13th & 15th century Shattered ruins remain of Newcastle Emlyn Castle. Excavation through the 1980s have revealed some details, but the castle is best known from a collection of medieval accounts and surveys.[31]

Ceredigion

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Castles of which only earthworks or nothing remains include:[21]

Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Aberystwyth Castle External view of the North Gate Concentric castle 13th century Ruined Aberystwyth Town Council Work on Aberystwyth Castle commenced in 1277 under Edward I and was completed in 1289. The castle remains have been much restored and now form part of a public park.[32]
Cardigan Castle Cardigan Castle 13th century Ceredigion County Council Situated on promontory overlooking Cardigan Bridge. Portions of the curtain wall survive in the tall embankment overlooking the bridge. There are remains of three semi-circular towers, the largest & most elaborate incorporated into the early C19 Castle Green House[33]

Conwy

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Conwy Castle Conwy Castle 13th century Ruined, with partial restoration Cadw
Deganwy Castle Castell Deganwy Castle (Welsh: Caer Ddegannwy; Modern Welsh: Castell Degannwy) was an early stronghold of Gwynedd and lies in Deganwy at the mouth of the River Conwy in Conwy, North Wales. 13th century Earthworks remain
Dolwyddelan Castle Dolwyddelan Castle 13th century Partially ruinous Cadw
Gwrych Castle Gwrych Castle 19th century Derelict, being restored Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust Mock Gothic
Gwydir Castle Gwydir Castle 16th century Intact Private

Denbighshire

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Bodelwyddan Castle Bodelwyddan Castle 19th century (Originally 15th)
Denbigh Castle Denbigh Castle 13th -14th century Cadw
Dinas Brân VIew of Dinas Brân 12th century
Dyserth Castle Remains Of Dyserth Castle, Flintshire 13th century
Rhuddlan Castle Rhuddlan Castle from the west. 13th century Cadw
Ruthin Castle The old part. 13th century Hotel
Twthill, Rhuddlan Twthill Castle 11th century Cadw
Prestatyn Castle Prestatyn Castle (Motte and Bailey) 12th century Motte & Bailey castle

Flintshire

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Caergwrle Castle A ruined wall on a hilltop. 13th century Cadw
Ewloe Castle Ewloe Castle 12th century Cadw
Flint Castle Flint Castle in Wales 13th century Cadw
Hawarden Castle Hawarden 'Old' Castle 13th century
New Hawarden Castle New Hawarden Castle 2006 18th century
Mold Castle The outer bailey of Mold Castle 12th century

Gwynedd

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Bryn Bras Castle Bryn Bras castle 19th century
Caernarfon Castle Caernarfon Castle, western view at low tide 13th century Ruined, with partial restoration Cadw
Carndochan Castle Castell Carndochan, near to Rhosdylluan, Gwynedd, Wales. 13th century
Castell y Bere View over Castell y Bere 13th century Cadw
Criccieth Castle Criccieth Castle 13th century Cadw
Dinas Emrys A view up the hillock, covered with vegetation. 12th century keep on early medieval site
Dolbadarn Castle Dolbadarn Castle 13th century Cadw
Harlech Castle Harlech Castle 13th century Cadw
Penrhyn Castle Penrhyn Castle 19th century Intact National Trust

Isle of Anglesey

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Castell Aberlleiniog Two of Castell Aberlleiniog's towers and keep wall in 2009, after restoration had begun 12th century
Beaumaris Castle Beaumaris Castle 13th century Cadw

Merthyr Tydfil

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Morlais Castle Picture of the only remaining room at Morlais castle. 13th century
Cyfarthfa Castle Front view of Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales. 19th century

Monmouthshire

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Abergavenny Castle Abergavenny Castle curtain wall interior. Abergavenny Castle is a castle in the town of Abergavenny, Monmouthshire in south east Wales. 11th to 13th century
Betws Newydd Castle 11th century
Caldicot Castle The front entrance of Caldicot Castle in south Wales. 12th to 15th century
Castell Arnold Site of Castle Arnold 12th century Near Llanover
Chepstow Castle Chepstow Castle 11th to 14th century Cadw
Dingestow Castle Ditch at Dingestow Castle 11th and 12th century Two castles, one 11th century the other 12th
Grosmont Castle Grosmont Castle 12th to 14th century Cadw
Llanfair Kilgeddin Castle Llanfair Kilgeddin motte 11th century
Llantrisant, Monmouthshire Castell Troggy Remains of Cas Troggy 13th century
Llanvair Discoed Castle Llanvair Discoed Castle ruins from St. Mary's churchyard 12th to 13th century
Monmouth Castle Ruins of the 12th century castle at Monmouth 11th to 13th century Cadw
Newcastle 11th century
Penrhos Castle 11th century
Pen y Clawdd Castle 11th century Near Abergavenny
Raglan Castle Raglan Castle 15th century Cadw
Skenfrith Castle Great Tower, Skenfrith Castle 12th to 13th century Cadw
Tregrug Castle Part of Llangibby Castle ruins 13th century
Trellech Castle Tump Terret 12th century
Usk Castle Garrison Tower from the inner ward 12th to 14th century
White Castle White Castle 11th to 13th century Cadw

Neath Port Talbot

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Margam Castle Margam Castle 19th century Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
Neath Castle Neath Castle 12th century Neath Town Council

Newport

[edit]

Castle with only earthworks, Wentloog Castle.

Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Caerleon Castle Round Tower at The Hanbury Arms, 2010 11th to 13th century
Newport Castle Newport Castle 13th century Cadw
Pencoed Castle Probably part of the earlier castle. 13th century
Penhow Castle Penhow castle viewed from the parish church 12th century

Pembrokeshire

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Benton Castle[34] Benton Castle no date
Carew Castle Domestic Tudor-period ranges from across the mill pond to the north west 11th to 16th century Private / Open to the public
Cilgerran Castle West tower, and access bridge to the inner ward over gully 13th century Cadw
Haverfordwest Castle Haverfordwest Castle 12th century
Llawhaden Castle Llawhaden Castle Gatehouse today 12th to 14th century Cadw
Manorbier Castle Manorbier Castle 12th to 14th century Private / Open to the public
Narberth Castle Narberth castle ruins in Pembrokeshire, Wales, looking towards the south. 13th century
Newport Castle 19th century
Pembroke Castle File:Pembroke_Castle_-_June_2011.jpg 12th & 13th century Private / Open to the public
Picton Castle Picton Castle in 2013 12th century Picton Castle Trust
Roch Castle Roch Castle 12th century Private
Tenby Castle A gate leading to Tenby Castle. 13th century
Upton Castle 13th century Private
Wiston Castle Wiston Castle in April 2006 12th century Cadw
Wolf's Castle Wolf's Castle motte from the east Motte and bailey 11th century

Powys

[edit]

Castles of which only earthworks, fragments or nothing remains include:

Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Aberedw Castle Still standing About the only part of Aberedw castle that can be construed as a wall and in surprisingly good condition. 11th to 13th century Two castles, one 11th and one 13th century
Blaenllyfni Castle The ruins of Blaenllyfni Castle 13th century
Brecon Castle Brecon Castle 11th century Hotel
Bronllys Castle Bronllys Castle motte and tower 12th century Cadw
Cefnllys Castle Southern castle at Cefnllys Hill castle 12th century Fragmentary remains Three castles, an 11th century motte and bailey followed by two 13th century masonry castles.
Crickhowell Castle Remains of Crickhowell Castle 12th century
Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle, Powys 13th century Cadw
Hay Castle Hay Castle, Hay-on-Wye 11th or 12th century Hay Castle Trust
Llanthomas Castle Mound
Llanthomas Castle Mound
Llanthomas Castle Mound
 11th or 12th century Private
Maesllwch Castle Maesllwch Castle 19th century Private 19th-century house in castellated style
Montgomery Castle The ruined gatehouse to the inner ward seen from the south 13th century Cadw
Powis Castle Powis Castle, originally built c. 1200 as a fortress of the Welsh Princes of Powys. 12th to 19th century National Trust
Tretower Castle Tretower Castle 12th century Cadw

Rhondda Cynon Taf

[edit]

Castles of which only earthworks, fragments or nothing remains include:

Castell Nos
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Llantrisant Castle The remains of Llantrisant Castle 13th century

Swansea

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Loughor Castle Loughor Castle 12th century Cadw
Oxwich Castle Oxwich Castle and dovecote 16th century Cadw
Oystermouth Castle Oystermouth Castle 12th & 13th century City and County of Swansea Council
Pennard Castle Castell Pennard 12th century Pennard Golf Course
Penrice Castle The 18th-century mansion (left) and the remains of the castle (right) 13th century Private
Swansea Castle The remaining ruins of Swansea Castle seen from across Castle Street. 12th century Cadw
Weobley Castle The west face of Weobley Castle 13th century Cadw

Vale of Glamorgan

[edit]

Castles of which only earthworks, fragments or nothing remains include:

Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Barry Castle Barry Castle, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 13th - 14th century Cadw
Fonmon Castle Fonmon Castle, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales 14th century Private
Hensol Castle South elevation of Hensol Castle, March 2003 18th century Private
Ogmore Castle Stepping Stones on River Ogmore, Ogmore Castle 12th century Cadw
Old Beaupre Castle Inner courtyard and Renaissance porch 16th century Cadw
Penmark Castle Penmark_Castle,_seen_from_the_churchyard 12th century
St Donat's Castle St Donat's Castle 12th century Atlantic College
St Quintins Castle Saint Quentin's castle, Llanblethian 14th century Cadw

Wrexham

[edit]
Name Image Type Date Condition Ownership / Access Notes
Chirk Castle Chirk Castle with Adam's Tower in Far Left Side 13th century National Trust
Holt Castle Remains of Holt Castle 13th century

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The Less Traveled Britain: 5 Reasons to Visit Wales". independenttraveler.com. Retrieved 18 June 2012.
  2. ^ "Wales: The Castle Capital of the World". Travelblog.com. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
  3. ^ "Castle country". Wales.com. Welsh Government. Retrieved 5 August 2019.
  4. ^ "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd". UNESCO. Retrieved 15 November 2012.
  5. ^ "Oldcastle, Nolton, Suggested Castle Site (401432)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  6. ^ Cadw. "Candleston Castle (11230)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  7. ^ "Coity Castle (94504)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  8. ^ "Kenfig Castle (300455)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  9. ^ "Llangynwyd Castle (94553)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  10. ^ Cadw. "Newcastle Castle (GM063)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  11. ^ Cadw. "Caerphilly Castle (13539)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  12. ^ Cadw. "Castell Morgraig (13540)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  13. ^ Iorweth, Dylan (1997). "The Mystery at Morgraig". Heritage in Wales. 7: 17–19. (reproduced in the Castle Studies Group newsletter Vol. 11 p. 35-39)
  14. ^ Cadw. "Ruperra Castle (14069)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  15. ^ Cadw. "Ruperra Hillfort and Motte (GM511)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
  16. ^ "Cardiff Castle (33)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  17. ^ "Castell Coch, Tongwynlais (93112)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  18. ^ "St Fagans Castle, Cardiff (300313)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  19. ^ "Llandaff". Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  20. ^ "Bishop's Castle (96079)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  21. ^ a b King, D.J.C. (1983). Castellarium Anglicanum: An Index and Bibliography of the Castles in England, Wales and the Islands. London: Kraus International Publications. ISBN 978-0-527-50110-5.
  22. ^ "Carmarthen Castle (95084)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  23. ^ Cadw. "Carreg Cennen Castle (20923)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  24. ^ "Castell Dinefwr (425)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  25. ^ "Dryslwyn Castle, Dryslwyn (100682)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  26. ^ "Kidwelly Castle, Kidwelly (95633)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  27. ^ "Laugharne Castle (95634)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  28. ^ "Llandovery Castle (92751)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  29. ^ Cadw. "Llansteffan Castle (9405)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  30. ^ "Green Castle, Ruins;castell Moel (17403)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  31. ^ "Newcastle Emlyn Castle (92783)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  32. ^ Cadw. "Aberystwyth Castle (CD008)". National Historic Assets of Wales. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
  33. ^ "Cardigan Castle (92314)". Coflein. RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 September 2021.
  34. ^ Alan Reid, Castles of Wales, 2nd ed.(Ruthin: John Jones Publishing Ltd. 1999)
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