Historic Overview Cardiff Castle (Castell Caerdydd) is located in the heart of the modern Welsh capital, Cardiff, on a site of continuous human occupation stretching back nearly 2,000 years. Archaeological evidence suggests intermittent prehistoric activity on the site, indicating its long-standing strategic importance. The castle’s origins can be traced to a Roman fort established around AD 55, strategically sited near the River Taff to secure Roman control of southern Wales

Dallimore, J. 2023. Neath Castle. Historic Overview Neath Castle (Castell Nedd) is a Norman fortress located in the centre of Neath, Wales, occupying a strategic position on the eastern bank of the River Nedd. The site lies close to the former Roman fort of Nidum, established around 75 AD, which formed part of a wider Roman road network linking key sites across South Wales, including Caerleon Roman Fortress. The location was already strategically important as a river crossing

Historic Overview East Orchard Castle (Castell Gerddi Dwyrain) is a ruined historic manor located near the village of St. Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. The site has a long history, beginning with its establishment by the Berkerolle family, Norman settlers who received the land from Robert Fitzhammon following the conquest of Glamorgan in 1091. The first of the Berkerolle's was a knight to Fitzhammon. While the exact date of the initial construction is uncertain

Background Twmbarlwm or locally known as " The Twmp " (translation: hump) because of the mound that lies at its summit, is a hill...

Historic Overview Caerphilly Castle (Castell Caerffili) is a Medieval fortification in Caerphilly, South Wales. The castle was constructed by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century as part of his campaign to maintain control of Glamorgan during Anglo-Norman expansion. The Romans built an auxiliary fort here as early as 75 AD, but it was abandoned by the 2nd century and for the next one thousand years, the site remained sparsely populated. The castle is surrounded by extensive a

Historic Overview Usk Castle (Castell Brynbuga) is situated in the town of Usk, Monmouthshire, overlooking the river valley. The castle...

Historic Overview Candleston Castle (Castell Treganna) is a 14th-century ruined manor tower-house located within a D-shaped enclosure at...

Dallimore, J. 2023. Newcastle Castle. Historic Overview Newcastle Castle ( Y Castell Newydd) is located on a steep hill on the west...

Historic Overview Ogmore Castle (Castell Ogwr) is located near the village of Ogmore-by-Sea on the south bank of the River Ewenny and...

Historic Overview Dunraven Castle (Castell Dwnrhefn) lies on the northern flank of the Trwyn-y-Witch headland, near Southerndown in Bridgend. The site is first described as a "manor place" in the 1530s but later came to be known as a castle. It was originally owned by the Butler family, tenants of the Lord of Ogmore, and is reputed to have been destroyed or significantly damaged during the rebellion of Owain Glyndwr. The Butlers retained ownership until the 16th century, whe

Historic Overview Coity Castle (Castell Coety) is a Norman stronghold established by Sir Payn "The Demon" de Turberville, one of the...

Welsh flag from the Medieval Period, representing the dragon. Tracing the History of a National Symbol The red dragon of Wales— Y Ddraig...