|
There are many castles in South Wales. This article highlights a group of castles that can be found in Swansea and the surrounding area, all easily accessible from Swansea, most within a 10 mile radius. The bulk of these castles are on the Gower peninsula, which is the home of King Arthur.
The castles are in various states of ruin. But it is still easy to pick up the feel of what it must have been like when the castles were in their heyday, full of life and the grandeur of the Norman era. Take a spin back in time to the days of knights and nobles.
Weobley Castle
Weobley Castle is unique among the castles of Wales, because it not really a castle in the traditional sense, but instead was referred to as a manerium batellatum, better known as a fortified manor house.
The primary means to defend the structure was simply the sheer size of the complex and its location. Weobley was the only building on the north coast of the Gower that was heavily prepared for battle, sitting high on the peninsula, with unobstructed views, thus giving it a highly defensible position.
The castle construction began toward the end of the 13th century under the guidance of David de la Bere, the Gower lordship holder. The structure was arranged around a courtyard, with entry provided by a gatehouse. The earliest part of the structure lends itself to a unit capable of being defended when cut of from the rest of the complex. Later in the new century more rooms were added, complete with a latrine tower in a polygon shape.
The castle suffered severe damage during the Owain Glyndwr uprising in the 15th century. It was somewhat repaired under the ownership of Sir Rhys ap Thomas, who was given possession by King Henry VII for meritorious service. Rhys was somewhat known for extravagance, but toned this down at Weobley, only embellishing the courtyard and repairing damage. When Rhys’ grandson was executed for treason during the rule of Henry VIII, Weobley was returned to the Crown.
In the late sixteenth century, the castle came under the ownership of the Herbert family and their heirs, many of whom became earls and marquesses of Worchester, and later dukes of Beaufort. The castle was deemed to small to rate any real family interest, so its status was seriously dented. It is now open to the public to view for a small charge. The view alone is worth the price.
Swansea Castle
The history of Swansea castle dates back to the 11th century, perhaps earlier. The castle was given to Henry de Beaumont in 1106, who established the castle as the base of his lordship.
The castle was destroyed in 1217 by Rhys Gryg, who wiped out all of de Beaumont’s strongholds. The castle was soon rebuilt and was significantly added to by the end of the 13th century. Paintings done in the 1700’s show a massive multi-storeyed castle and grounds and a very prominent motte.
Swansea lost most of it’s military and social prominence when the de Braose family, who became the castle owners in 1184, moved to Oystermouth Castle further along the Gower. The castle was summarily dismantled, and what remained served as a debtors’ prison, as well as other uses.
The castle boasted some of the most beautiful architecture among the castles of the Gower, but it has not been treated well by time and development of the city of Swansea. The castle can only be viewed from the exterior, but still offers a glimpse into a historic and eventful past.
Pennard Castle
Another prized possession of Henry de Beaumont, Pennard Castle was established in 1106 overlooking Three Cliffs Bay and the Pennard marshes.
Pennard was designed as a ringwork with bank and ditch protection. This castle seemed to be a primarily for domestic usage, as evidence of a range and hearth were uncovered in an excavation in the 1960s.
The castle was refortified in the latter part of the 13th and the early 14th century. A curtain wall, semi circular turret and tower were added during this time. Much of the south tower of the gatehouse and a north curtain wall survive to this day.
The castle was seemingly impervious to human attack and upon approaching the castle from the south, this become very evident. But much of the castle has been destroyed the ravages of time and constant battering of the sand from the nearby bay.
Loughor Castle
This castle, called Caselleochwr, is thought to have its beginnings in the Roman era. It was believed to have served as a guard outpost between the fort at Cardiff and points further west. The castle placement on the Afon (river) Llwhwr was highly strategic, since activity in the river and road and rail crossings were steadily maintained throughout the 18th century.
The site passed on from the Romans to the Normans, and eventually came into the hands of Henry Beaumont, who established the site as a strong defensive position around 1106. Beaumont rebuilt the site over a period of time and covered the Roman foundation.
In 1151, the castle was invaded and it and all the land nearby was laid to waste. Further damage was sustained in 1251 and all that now remains are the ruins of a tower and bits of walls.
Although neglected for vast periods of time, Loughor Castle has revealed much to historians. Once surrounded by attacking warriors, it is now surrounded by homes and industry, which have no doubt contributed to its past decay.
What is left of the castle is protected now by the Crown, and serves as a historical monument to the past that will inspire the future to come.
Oxwich Castle
Oxwich Castle sits majestically overlooking scenic Oxwich Bay, like a king surveying his realm. But this castle really wasn’t a castle. Instead it was a gracious home that reflected the style and stature of her owner.
Sir Rhys Mansel designed Oxwich to reflect his tastes and the architecture of the time. For an 18 year period he constructed the main house and added numerous decorative adornments, most notably his family coat of arms.
Although little remains of Oxwich today, one can still sense the glory of the former structure. Mansel was also responsible for the improvements of Beaupre, another family held castle, and of the Margum abbey.
Nearly a half century after the construction of Oxwich had been completed, the castle left the care of the Mansel family. It was left to decline into ruin, save the south wing, which was turned into a farmer’s home. A small legacy to a large part of Gower history.
Oystermouth Castle
William de Londres was the first of many occupants of this castle, quite possibly the most beautiful of the Gower castles. The castle was attacked numerous times between 1116-1215 and was finally destroyed by Rhys Ieuanc.
The de Braose and de Mowbrey families rebuilt and refined the castle. The most majestic piece of work completed was undoubtedly the chapel.
The castle name is a whimsically historical antedote. The name originally give to it was Ystumllwynarth, literally translated as bend-grove-hill. AS any Welshman will tell you, the Englishmen of the day couldn’t cope with the Welsh pronunciation. The castle became known as Stumarth. Further changes landed it to the name now associated with the castle, Oystermouth.
Perhaps the name was most aptly given. The castle sits overlooking the oyster beds of the bay, and one might think the owner of the castle rather enjoyed the tasty shellfish so easily within their reach. Whatever the reason for the name, the castle has continued to hold a place of pride amongst the castles of the Gower.
| 
