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The area that spans from the Wales-England border to Pembrokeshire in West Wales has a rich and varied history of different settlers throughout the ages. Prehistoric settlers, followed by Romans, Christians, medieval warlords and industrial magnates have all left their imprint upon the area. The greatest impact of all on the landscape, came in medieval times when a great number of castles were erected in a sweeping chain from east to west. The first in the chain was one of Britain’s original stone-built castles at Chepstow. Centuries later, castle building reached a high point of sophistication with Caerphilly Castle which is considered to be one of Europe’s most impressive medieval fortresses. Castles of magnificent structure probably peaked with the completion of Raglan Castle during the late medieval period. It has been described as the finest example of a fortress cum palace in Britain.
There are a large number of castles in South and West Wales which are well worth a visit. A few suggestions follow:
Chepstow Castle:
Chepstow Castle is situated in a commanding position overlooking the River Wye. It stands guard over a strategic border point between Wales and England. It was started by the Normans immediately after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and is famous for being the first stone-built castle in Britain. Its focal point is the remains of the original stone keep. In later centuries, additional walls towers and gatehouses were tagged on to the original long and narrow construction. Chepstow Castle withstood a long siege in the Civil War and continued in use until the early 1690s. It is remarkable that this castle is one of the few in Britain to encompass the evolution of medieval military architecture from start to finish.
Kidwelly Castle:
Kidwelly is an excellent example of a well preserved medieval castle and provides a clear picture of the evolution of medieval military architecture. It was built over a period of four centuries, beginning in 1106 with a simple Norman stockade. It later became a fortress with the addition of concentric walls within walls. Its most famous feature is the twin-towered great Gatehouse which was completed in 1422.
Cilgerran Castle:
Cilgerran Castle is situated in a splendid wooded gorge in the picturesque Teifi Valley. The castle was naturally protected on two sides by steep drops with its vulnerable approach reinforced during the thirteenth century by twin towers and curtain walls. Cilgerran Castle has provided a source of inspiration for artists and poets throughout the centuries.
Caerphilly Castle:
The vast expanse of Caerphilly Castle dominates the town with the fortress extending over an area of approximately thirty acres. It is Wales’s largest castle and was built in the late thirteenth century by Lord Gilbert de Clare. It is a superb example of a concentric walls within walls type of fortress. The fortification relied heavily upon its water defences including lakes and three artificial islands. The castle is famous for its leaning tower. Today, tourists can visit an intriguing display of working replica siege engines in the grounds of the castle.
Raglan Castle:
Raglan Castle is probably the finest example of late medieval fortresses in Britain. It was built, in the main, during the more peaceful middle ages and reflects not only the military power but also the wealth and social aspirations of that period. It was started in 1435 by Sir William ap Thomas and his son William Herbert completed the richly adorned palace, Great Gatehouse and formal state apartments. Despite its lavishness, Raglan castle endured one of the longest sieges of the Civil War.
Castell Coch:
Castell Coch is a unique example of a relatively modern fantasy castle. Its conical towers and sharp-angled turrets make it look like something out of a fairy tale. It was the work of the eccentric Victorian architect, William Burges who designed it for the Marquis of Bute, owner of Cardiff’s dockland. Although Castell Coch was started in 1875, it was built on the site of the original thirteenth century “Red Castle”. The interior furnishings are extravagant and ornate with scenes from Aesop’s Fables adorning the walls.
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