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, historical sources suggest that the Berkerolle family established a manor house and associated estate buildings at the site during the late 14th century. Although commonly referred to as a castle, the site is better understood as a domestic manor house or gentry residence rather than a conventional military stronghold. However, it is possible that limited fortifications were added during periods of unrest, particularly to protect the manor’s economically valuable orchards, which were reportedly flourishing from the time of Richard III and became a notable feature of the estate. The manor was reportedly destroyed during the revolt of 1316, led by the Welsh noble Llywelyn Bren, although it is unclear to what extent it was rebuilt thereafter. Local tradition suggests that a member of the Berkerolle family, conscious of the land's conquest origins, sought to make amends by redistributing portions of the estate to the descendants of dispossessed Welsh families and offering financial support from estate revenues. The estate eventually passed into the hands of the influential Stradling family of St Donat’s Castle, who held the property from 1411 until 1756. They are believed to have undertaken renovations in the early 16th century, reflecting both stylistic updates and the continued domestic use of the manor. John Leland, the Tudor-era antiquary, referred to the property as "Norchete Manor" in his writings. Subsequent ownership passed to William Herbert of Swansea, likely in a trustee capacity, before it was acquired by the Jones family of Fonmon Castle. Under their stewardship, the estate was gradually abandoned, with the main house being dismantled around 1756. During the 19th century, the hall at East Orchard Castle was partially re-roofed and adapted for use as a barn, as confirmed by its depiction on the 1839 Tithe Map, which shows the site as still in use. However, by the late 19th - early 20th century, the buildings had fallen into disrepair due to neglect and a lack of maintenance, eventually becoming fully derelict, a state in which they remain today. Beyond its medieval and post-medieval occupation, the site also holds evidence of much earlier activity. Aerial photography to the south of the main complex reveals three double-ditched enclosures, visible as cropmarks in the landscape. These are thought to date to the Iron Age, indicating that the area was a centre of human activity long before the arrival of the Normans, and highlighting its continued significance across different historical periods. Architectural Overview The remains of East Orchard Castle occupy an east-facing slope overlooking the valley of the River Thaw, providing fertile ground, access to water and views across the surrounding landscape. Despite its name, East Orchard was not a military stronghold but a gentry manor house complex, with domestic and agricultural buildings arranged around two courts. The surviving structures, built primarily from roughly coursed local grey limestone, include the principal manor house, a large barn, freestanding stone chapel, dovecote and several outbuildings, possibly including stables and granaries. The separate chapel and range of agricultural buildings reflect the self-contained nature of the estate, while the absence of substantial defensive features, such as curtain walls or a keep, indicates its primarily residential and agricultural function. Notably, there was no eastern boundary wall, leaving the complex relatively open to the surrounding uplands. Constructed probably in the late 14th or early 15th century, the manor house formed the centre of the estate, providing accommodation for the lord's household and retainers as well as a base for the administration of the manor. The dovecote, with approximately 200 nesting recesses, provided food and fertiliser while also serving as a symbol of status. An elaborate octagonal bellcote, probably dating to around 1350, originally stood on the west gable of the manor house. The complex developed further during the 16th century with the addition of a small stone bridge over a tributary of the River Thaw and a trackway providing access to the estate. In the 19th century, the dovecote was probably converted into a granary, while the bellcote was removed and relocated to Fonmon Castle, where it remains today. The surviving ruins at East Orchard provide valuable evidence of the domestic architecture and rural life of the Welsh gentry from the late medieval period into the early modern era. Modern Legacy In the 1960s, the collapse of a partition wall at East Orchard Castle exposed a preserved gypsum floor, as well as underlying stratified debris. An archaeological excavation of the debris revealed a variety of artefacts, including a substantial fragment of a crested ridge tile, fragments of green window glass, an elaborately ornamented bronze buckle, iron scissors, and several medieval potsherds. In recognition of its historical and archaeological value, East Orchard Castle was designated as a Scheduled Monument (officially recorded as East Orchard Manor House, GM082) in 1935, ensuring protection from alteration or destruction. Furthermore, two of the buildings on the site were granted Grade II Listed Building status (Cadw references 83118 and 83125) in 1963. This reflects both the architectural and historical significance of the structures, and ensures that any future conservation or research efforts are undertaken in compliance with established heritage preservation guidelines. Location Barry, CF62 4LD NGR ST0287068050 Selected Bibliography Department of Culture, Media, and Sport. (2000). The Protection of Scheduled Monuments in Wales. London: The Stationery Office. Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust. (2010). East Orchard Castle: A Historical and Archaeological Overview. Cardiff: GGAT. Heneb. (2024). East Orchard Castle. PRN 00497s. Archwilio. Historic Wales. (2002). Monument Description for East Orchard Castle. National Monument Record (NMR), Cadw. Jones, G. (1999). Prehistoric and Medieval Landscapes of the Vale of Glamorgan. Cardiff: GGAT Publications. Leland, J. (2012). The Itinerary of John Leland in or about the Years 1535-1543. London: The British Library. RCAHMW. (2024). East Orchard Castle. NPRN 18619. Coflein. Smith, J. and Davies, A. (1983). Medieval and Post-Medieval Buildings of Glamorgan. Glamorgan Archaeological Society. Tithe Map of East Orchard, Vale of Glamorgan (1839). Glamorgan Archives, Cardiff. West, S. (1963). Excavations at East Orchard Castle: The 1960s Finds and their Context. Archaeologia Cambrensis, 112(2), 167-182. Williams, M. (1971). Excavations at East Orchard: A Summary of Finds from the 1960s Excavations. Transactions of the Royal Archaeological Society of Glamorgan, 16, 233-249. Cite this work Harvard or APA Style Dallimore, J. (2026 July 26). East Orchard Castle. The Archaeology Addict. Retrieved from https://thearchaeologyaddict.wixsite.com/thearchaeologyaddict/post/east-orchard-castle MLA Style Dallimore, Jessica J. "East Orchard Castle" The Archaeology Addict. The Archaeology Addict. 26 Jul 2026. https://thearchaeologyaddict.wixsite.com/thearchaeologyaddict/post/east-orchard-castle Chicago Style Dallimore, Jessica J. "East Orchard Castle" The Archaeology Addict. Last modified July 26, 2026. https://thearchaeologyaddict.wixsite.com/thearchaeologyaddict/post/east-orchard-castle

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. It was initially constructed of earth and timber, and later rebuilt in stone during the late 3rd century, some of which still survives today in the form of preserved Roman walls integrated into the medieval structure. In the early 5th century, following the collapse of Roman rule in Britain, the fort was abandoned and remained largely unoccupied until the Norman conquest. Around 1081, Robert FitzHamon, a Norman lord of William the Conqueror, established a motte-and-bailey castle on the site following his visit to Wales. This early medieval stronghold formed part of the Marcher Lordship system, where powerful lords exercised near-independent control along the Welsh border. During the 12th - 13th centuries, the Normans replaced many of the timber structures with stone fortifications. Curtain walls and towers were added to strengthen the castle’s military defences. Cardiff became a key base for Norman control in South Wales and the administrative centre for the Lordship of Glamorgan. The castle and surrounding town were frequently threatened during Welsh uprisings, including those led by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and others seeking to reclaim native rule, representing one of the final efforts to unify Wales before the conquest of Edward I of England. In 1314, the powerful de Clare family who held the castle suffered a mighty blow when Gilbert de Clare was killed at the Battle of Bannockburn. The castle was passed onto several nobles, including the Despencers, Nevilles, and Beauchamps, many of whom contributed to its expansion. During this time, Cardiff Castle also developed as a lordly residence, not just a military fortress, with many domestic buildings and halls added within the inner bailey. During the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, the castle’s role was primarily administrative. In 1488, it was granted to Jasper Tudor, uncle of Henry VII, and became part of the growing influence of the Tudor dynasty in Wales. The region saw relative peace under the Tudors, and like many castles, Cardiff’s military role diminished. By the 16th - 17th centuries, Cardiff Castle had become more of a residence and symbol of status than a defensive stronghold. Although the structure was still maintained, parts of it fell into disrepair. During the English Civil War (1642–1651), Cardiff was held at different times by both Royalist and Parliamentarian forces, but the castle was never significantly damaged in the fighting. By the mid-18th century, the castle and surrounding estates came into the hands of the Crichton-Stuart family, later the Marquesses of Bute, through marriage. In the mid-19th century, at the height of the Gothic Revival, the 3rd Marquess commissioned the renowned architect William Burges to transform the castle into a lavish residence. This transformation was funded by the immense wealth of the Bute family, derived largely from Cardiff’s coal-exporting docks during the Industrial Revolution. A series of elaborate Gothic interiors, including the Arab Room, the Library, the Banqueting Hall, and the Clock Tower apartments were added. These rooms are richly decorated with painted ceilings, gilded carvings, stained glass, and elaborate symbolic motifs drawn from mythology, religion, and astrology. Burges also restored much of the castle’s exterior, preserving the Norman keep and medieval walls while enhancing their sense of grandeur. He also designed the Animal Wall, later completed by William Frame, a decorative and symbolic addition that remains a distinctive feature of the castle. The castle remained a private residence of the Bute family into the early 20th century. During World War II, the castle played a practical role once again. Sections of the outer walls were fitted with tunnels to serve as air-raid shelters for Cardiff citizens during German bombing raids. The shelters could accommodate 1,800 people, with bunks, kitchens, toilets, and first-aid posts. These shelters, carved into the medieval walls and disguised with camouflage, featured bunk seating, electric lighting, and communication lines. In December 1944, use as shelters ceased and the entrances were sealed. These tunnels were later reopened and adapted for public interpretation as part of the castle experience. By1947, the 5th Marquess of Bute, burdened by inheritance taxes and declining aristocratic wealth, gifted Cardiff Castle to the City of Cardiff. Since then, the castle has functioned as a public heritage site, tourist attraction, and civic venue. Architectural Overview Cardiff Castle occupies a strategically significant site on the northern bank of the River Taff, a location chosen initially by the Romans for its proximity to key transport routes and natural defences. The earliest architectural phase of the site began as a Roman auxiliary fort. In the late 3rd century, its timber structure was replaced with a more durable stone fort featuring thick walls and square corner towers. Sections of this Roman masonry was constructed using coursed local stone which still survives today. It is most visible on the north and west walls, having been incorporated into the medieval and later defensive structures. By the early 5th century, Roman occupation likely ceased and the site lay dormant for several centuries. In the late 11th century, following the Norman conquest of Glamorgan, Robert FitzHamon constructed a classic motte-and-bailey castle on the site, making use of the elevated Roman platform. The motte was crowned by a timber keep, which remains a central feature of the castle today, and was likely reached by a timber bridge. The bailey to the south housed timber domestic and service buildings. Over time, the timber elements were gradually replaced with stone, reflecting the need for greater durability and defence. The new castle had a single entrance, reusing the site of the Roman south gate. Besides the repair and embanking of the Roman walls, the Norman work consisted of the digging of a ditch around the Roman perimeter. By the late 13th century, the castle had acquired many key features of a substantial medieval fortress. The timber keep was replaced with a circular stone shell keep, with arrow loops and a crenelated parapet, providing panoramic views in case of attack. The motte was surrounded by a moat that was part of a wider water defence system fed by the River Taff. The inner and outer baileys were protected by stone curtain walls, which reused large sections of the Roman fort walls. These walls were reinforced with D-shaped and square towers, offering both living quarters and firing platforms. Notable surviving features include the Black Tower, a prominent defensive structure integrated into the Roman wall. The main entrance was secured by a gatehouse, likely dating to the 13th - 14th century, and features a portcullis, a drawbridge, and machicolations. Remnants of a barbican structure suggest an additional outer defence. Within the inner bailey, residential buildings accommodated the needs of the castle’s noble occupants. This included a great hall, kitchens, a chapel, and private chambers. Throughout the 14th - 15th centuries, modifications continued. Towers along the curtain wall were fitted with fireplaces and larger Gothic windows, indicating a growing emphasis on comfort and status. Stone vaulting and mural staircases were introduced in certain towers, and at least one latrine chute survives from this period. These changes reflect the dual function of Cardiff Castle as both a military stronghold and an aristocratic residence. The outer ward, extending south of the main keep, served administrative and economic purposes, including stables, granaries, and workshops, supporting the daily operation of the estate. This area may have also included a garden or orchard, enclosed by defensive walls. The outer walls were likely crenelated and provided a patrol walkway accessed by internal staircases. The southern defences were especially robust, reflecting their exposure to potential land-based attacks. After the Wars of the Roses and the decline of marcher lordship, the castle’s military importance diminished. During the Tudor and Stuart periods, the buildings fell into gradual disrepair. However, the site continued to be used, and parts of the structure were adapted for residential or administrative use, particularly under the ownership of the Herbert and Windsor families. In the 17th century, limited repairs were made. By the 18th century, much of the medieval structure was in ruin. A profound transformation occurred in the 19th century, when the castle was inherited by John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute, one of the wealthiest men in Britain. In 1866, inspired by medievalism and the Gothic Revival, Bute commissioned architect William Burges to redesign Cardiff Castle as a neo-Gothic palace. Over the next two decades, Burges reimagined the castle’s interiors and some exteriors, fusing medieval forms with Victorian craftsmanship. Burges restored the shell keep and built new towers, including the Clock Tower, which housed the Marquess’s private apartments. These rooms were among the most elaborately decorated interiors of the Victorian era. The Arab Room, with its gold-domed ceiling and intricate mosaic work, the Banqueting Hall, featuring mural cycles of mythology and the seasons, and the Library, with painted ceilings and carved woodwork, remain masterpieces of Gothic Revival design. The additions were structurally robust, often featuring vaulted ceilings, stone traceried windows, and custom-designed furniture. Externally, the medieval curtain wall was preserved but turrets, chimneys, and battlements were added in a stylised Gothic form. A gatehouse and new drawbridge were constructed to emphasise the castle’s grandeur. While the outer ward was landscaped into a pleasure garden, and a lodge was added for the estate manager. RCAHMW. (1996). Site plan of Cardiff Castle. Modern Legacy Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’s best-known historic sites. Its history spans from prehistoric activity and the Roman fort to the Norman period, when it became a stronghold, and later to the Victorian Gothic Revival period. The castle reflects the development of Cardiff from a small settlement into the capital city of Wales. It combines historic fortifications with the Victorian buildings added later. During the Second World War, the castle’s tunnels were used as air-raid shelters. Some of the tunnels have been preserved and are now open to visitors, showing how the castle was used during the war. In 1947, John Crichton-Stuart, 5th Marquess of Bute, gave the castle and its parkland to the City of Cardiff. This marked the change from a private estate to a public site. The castle is now managed by the local authority and is an important part of Cardiff’s heritage, tourism and cultural life. Investigations in the 1980s and early 2000s confirmed the extent of the Roman fort beneath the existing structures, uncovering Roman barracks, drainage systems, and ceramic remains. In 1999, a watching brief recovered Roman Black Burnished and redware forms, and a single piece of Samian. Excavations also revealed layers of post-Roman and medieval occupation, including 12th - 14th century pottery, iron tools, animal bones, and remnants of hearths, indicating sustained domestic and service activity within the castle walls. Conservation work has focused on stabilising both the medieval masonry and the Victorian interiors, particularly the delicate painted ceilings and decorative stonework. Another fascinating discovery was made during a later excavation in 2005 - 06, whereby a series of Prehistoric earth-cut features and pottery were encountered, evidence of long occupation at the site. Today, Cardiff Castle is a Scheduled Monument (MM050) and has held Grade I listed status (Cadw Ref. 13662) since 1952, in recognition of its exceptional architectural and historic interest. Several other structures within the castle complex, including the Clock Tower, the Animal Wall, and the Castle Apartments are also individually listed, reflecting their national importance. The site remains open to the public year-round and offers a full programme of interpretation and guided tours. While much of the interior was preserved during the 19th century refurbishment, sections of the grounds, including the Norman keep and the wartime tunnels, have been sensitively adapted for visitor access. The castle continues to host weddings, official ceremonies, and events linked to Cardiff’s role as the capital of Wales. It serves both as an educational resource and a venue for cultural celebrations, concerts, major sporting events, historical re-enactments, theatre productions, and royal visits. Cardiff Castle today stands not only as a relic of the past but as a living landmark, a physical embodiment of Wales’s historical complexity and a symbol of Cardiff’s resilience, identity, and civic pride. Location Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 3RB NGR ST1803076530 Selected Bibliography Ward, J. (1901). ‘XIX.—Cardiff Castle: its Roman origin.’ Archaeologia, 57(2), pp. 335-352. Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Williams, M. (2008). The Essential Cardiff Castle. London: Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers. Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers Ltd Williams, M. (2019). Cardiff Castle and the Marquesses of Bute. London: Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers. Williams, M. (2007). William Burges, 1827-81. Andover, Hants: Jarrold (Pitkin Guide). Batsford Books Newman, J. (1995). Glamorgan: The Buildings of Wales. London: Penguin Books. ‘Cardiff Castle & Bute Park (CPG211)’. 2019. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW). Cardiff. cardiffnewsroom.co.uk ‘Architectural secrets of Cardiff Castle amongst collections being protected in Wales.’ 2022. Welsh Government. [online] Available at: https://media.service.gov.wales/news/architectural-secrets-of-cardiff-castle-amongst-collections-being-protected-in-wales [Accessed 5 Nov 2025]. gov.wales ‘The Normans • History • Cardiff Castle.’ n.d. Cardiff Castle website. [online] Available at: https://www.cardiffcastle.com/history/normans/ [Accessed 5 Nov 2025]. Cardiff Castle ‘Cardiff Castle – Normans kee­p – Mote and Bailey.’ n.d. Medieval Heritage. [online] Available at: https://medievalheritage.eu/en/main-page/heritage/wales/cardiff-castle/ [Accessed 5 Nov 2025]. Ancient and medieval architecture Grant, J.P.D. (1923). Cardiff Castle: Its History and Architecture. Cardiff: William Lewis (Printers) Limited. Cite this work Harvard or APA Style Dallimore, J. (2026 August 9). Cardiff Castle. The Archaeology Addict. Retrieved from https://thearchaeologyaddict.wixsite.com/thearchaeologyaddict/post/cardiff-castle MLA Style Dallimore, Jessica J. "Cardiff Castle" The Archaeology Addict. The Archaeology Addict. 9 Aug 2026. https://thearchaeologyaddict.wixsite.com/thearchaeologyaddict/post/cardiff-castle Chicago Style Dallimore, Jessica J. "Cardiff Castle" The Archaeology Addict. Last modified August 9, 2026. https://thearchaeologyaddict.wixsite.com/thearchaeologyaddict/post/cardiff-castle

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 and routeway, helping to explain why it was later selected for Norman settlement and fortification. The original castle, an earth-and-timber motte-and-bailey structure, was constructed in the 1120s by Richard de Glanville, a knight and military commander. It stood across the river near the former Roman site. Around 1130, following the founding of Neath Abbey by de Glanville, the initial castle was abandoned and likely dismantled for building materials. Later in the 12th century, a second castle was established on the opposite bank, probably under the direction of Robert, Earl of Gloucester. This new site formed a frontier stronghold marking the western edge of Norman-controlled Glamorgan. It was first recorded in 1183, with its timber tower mentioned shortly afterwards. Tension soon escalated in the region and in 1183, a Welsh uprising erupted in Glamorgan under Morgan ap Caradog, Lord of Afan. The conflict centred on Neath, Kenfig, and Newcastle, with Neath Castle enduring a prolonged siege in which siege engines were reportedly used. The blockade was lifted in 1184 by Ranulph de Glanville. Following this, efforts were made to reinforce control. William de Cogan was appointed constable and supplied the castle with provisions and weapons, while a garrison was maintained under William le Sor and Walter de Lageles. Despite this, long-term development was limited, and only essential repairs were carried out. In 1210, King John visited Neath on his return from Ireland. Administrative records from this period note repairs carried out between 1207 and 1208, suggesting the castle remained an important but functional military site. Instability returned in the early 13th century. In 1229, Morgan Gam, Lord of Afan, recently released after capture, renewed his alliance with Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, Prince of Gwynedd. This led to renewed conflict, and in 1231 he attacked and destroyed Neath Castle. Although the castle was later restored, tensions in the region continued. By 1246, the bailiff was instructed to enforce compensation payments to Margam Abbey for damage caused during earlier conflicts. Another major raid followed in 1258, when Llywelyn ap Gruffudd’s forces destroyed 150 houses in the town, although the castle itself held firm. It was subsequently rebuilt and developed in stone, probably during the later 13th century, strengthening its defensive position. Further Welsh uprisings in 1287 and 1294–1295 tested the fortress again, but it remained secure. Soon after, the castle passed into the hands of Sir Hugh le Despenser the Younger through his marriage to Eleanor de Clare. Despenser, a highly controversial royal favourite, became a close confidant of Edward II and a dominant political figure in the region. By 1326, Edward II of England and Hugh Despenser the Younger were forced to seek refuge in Neath during the final collapse of their power, shortly before their capture at Llantrisant. The royal treasury was likely left behind and looted. This crisis was preceded by further unrest. Following the death of Earl Gilbert III in 1314 during the Scottish wars, rebellion broke out under Llywelyn Bren. Although Neath Castle was not taken, it suffered damage to roofs and towers, and required repairs. The garrison during this period fluctuated between 20 and 140 archers, supported by mounted soldiers. Further instability followed in 1321, when Neath Castle was captured and damaged by Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford, during a revolt against Edward II and the Despensers. The Sheriff of Glamorgan, Sir John Iweyn, was taken prisoner and executed in Swansea. The following year, the Despensers regained control of Glamorgan, and it is likely that Neath Castle was rebuilt at this time, including a new gate complex. In 1377, the castle was repaired while under royal custody during the minority of Thomas Despenser. It therefore remained operational during the final major Welsh uprising led by Owain Glyndqwr in the early 15th century, when it was garrisoned by around one hundred archers and eight lancers. Over time, however, its military importance declined. The castle gradually fell out of use and became a convenient source of stone for the growing town, contributing to the gradual loss of parts of the structure. As Neath expanded, parts of the structure were incorporated into surrounding development. In 1483, the constable Richard Willoughby was murdered while walking from the castle to the church, killed by Thomas Gwyn over a personal dispute. By the 16th century, the castle had fallen into ruin due to its reduced strategic importance. By the mid-17th century it was no longer maintained as a defensive site. In the 18th century, the ruins were repurposed for recreation, including the construction of a cock-pit in the courtyard with stone seating for spectators. The title of Constable of Neath Castle was held by Sir Humphrey Mackworth from 1703 and later absorbed into the office of Mayor of Neath. During the 19th century, the site became increasingly enclosed by industrial cottages, reflecting rapid industrial expansion in Neath. Only the northern side remained relatively open, protected by a Quaker burial ground. Architectural Overview The castle was positioned on the high eastern bank of the River Neath, following a gentle bend where the river once reached the base of the slope. This location provided a significant natural defensive advantage, with the steep river-facing slope complementing the castle's artificial defences. Its earliest form was a simple wooden and earthwork enclosure, laid out in a roughly oval plan and smaller than many contemporary castles. An outer bailey likely lay to the west or south, facing the developing settlement, and was protected by a V-shaped ditch. As the site developed, the timber defences were replaced before the mid-13th century with a stone curtain wall that largely preserved the earlier footprint. This new circuit formed a distinctive horseshoe shape, with a straight north-eastern section and a rounded south-western end. Strengthening this line of defence were two horseshoe-shaped towers positioned at the north-west and eastern corners. These towers also incorporated key functional features. The eastern tower contained a large latrine turret projecting outward towards the north-east, while the north-west tower protected a postern gate reached by a long stairway descending towards the river. From this blocked stair, a side passage once connected the ditch and outer bailey. The main entrance, however, remained on the southern side of the enclosure, facing the town and outer ward. In the early 14th century, the north-west corner was significantly remodelled with the construction of a formal gate complex. Built over the earlier tower and postern, it consisted of two flanking towers forming a fortified entrance. The northern tower incorporated the remains of the earlier structure, while the southern tower was built anew on its foundations. The gateway itself was heavily defended, combining a portcullis, doors, machicolations, arrow loops, and a drawbridge spanning a defensive pit. Both towers rose through three storeys, with the northern tower retaining a latrine overlooking the ditch. The first floor likely housed the portcullis mechanism, while the upper level, lit by narrow lancet windows, may have served a residential or administrative function. The southern tower was structurally linked to the town-facing curtain wall, although the gate passage did not connect directly to the wall walk. Within the courtyard, residential and service buildings were constructed against the inner face of the curtain wall, leaving only limited open space by the 14th century. These structures formed a tightly arranged complex of domestic and economic rooms. At ground level, five main rooms are recorded, three of which were heated by fireplaces and likely used for storage, service, or household management. The south-eastern room functioned as a kitchen, fitted with a fireplace, oven, pantry, and associated service passage. From an adjoining chamber, a short staircase led down into the deep basement of the eastern tower, positioned below courtyard level. Above these service areas, upper floors provided more formal accommodation and representative space. The eastern tower’s upper storey contained three radially arranged arrow slits set within thick walls, while similar residential use is suggested for parts of the gatehouse. Additional service buildings probably occupied the outer bailey to the south, supporting the wider operation of the castle. The northern curtain wall is now partially defined by a later revetment wall, built into the natural scarp in the 18th century and resting on earlier medieval foundations. This later boundary encloses the burial ground of the Friends Meeting House, established in 1799, reflecting the continued reuse of the site into the post-medieval period. Evidence of earlier buildings along the north curtain indicates long-term occupation and adaptation of this area. Behind the revetment wall, fragments of the original curtain wall and the northeast tower remain visible, preserving important traces of the medieval structure beneath later infill. These layers of medieval, post-medieval, and modern deposits demonstrate how the castle was repeatedly altered and adapted as its function and surrounding environment changed over time. These layers of medieval, post-medieval, and modern deposits demonstrate the continuous reshaping of the site over time. The first detailed depiction of the castle’s layout appears on the 1876 town plan, showing it embedded within the expanding industrial town of Neath. RCAHMW. Neath Castle Site Plan. Modern Legacy Today, Neath Castle represents a well-preserved example of an urban castle ruin, reflecting its integration into the expanding town over time. In 2023, an archaeological watching brief identified masonry that once formed part of the Northeast Drum Tower of Neath Castle. Also abutting the north-eastern edge of this masonry was a Medieval deposit, comprising mostly midden material. Contained within it were a significant number of ceramic sherds and shards of glass, mostly of Post-medieval and modern date. The ceramics included sherds of Bristol glazed stoneware, a popular form of pottery produced in the 16th - 17th centuries, as well as North Devon gravel-tempered ware, commonly associated with the region’s pottery production in the 13th - 14th centuries. Additionally, fragments of white earthenware were found, indicating later use during the 18th and 19th centuries. These findings shed light on the site’s post-medieval occupation, indicating that Neath Castle remained an important focal point for local activity long after its military significance waned. They also offer a glimpse into the material culture of the period, highlighting the types of everyday items used by the castle’s later inhabitants and visitors. The continued discovery of such material through modern archaeological investigation demonstrates the castle’s ongoing importance as a source of historical and archaeological evidence. The castle's modern legacy also reflects the changing role of the site from military stronghold to historic monument, recreational space and heritage asset within the modern town. Archaeological investigations and conservation work, including recent recording of vulnerable masonry using digital photogrammetry, have helped preserve and document remains that are increasingly difficult to access. This highlights the continuing tension between conserving the fragile ruins and maintaining public access. The castle forms part of Neath's wider historic townscape and contributes to the area's heritage and tourism identity, while ongoing archaeological work ensures that previously unknown aspects of its history continue to be uncovered. The best-preserved element of Neath Castle is the outer section of the 14th-century gatehouse, which stands almost at its original height, though the crenelated parapet has unfortunately been lost over time. In addition to this, substantial fragments of the defensive walls, remnants of the eastern tower, and the foundations of various internal buildings have been preserved, providing a glimpse into the castle's once formidable structure. A particularly significant discovery was the excavation of the stairs leading to the original postern gate from the 13th century, which later formed the basis for the 14th-century gate complex. These remains, along with the stairs, are among the few surviving elements of the castle's early design. The site is now protected as a Scheduled Monument (GM039) and a Grade II* Listed Building (Cadw ref. 11775), status it has held since 1989, due to its historical and architectural significance. The remains of Neath Castle are maintained by Neath Town Council, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Unfortunately, due to ongoing preservation concerns, the site is currently closed to public access, demonstrating the challenges involved in balancing the protection of the monument with its value as a public heritage site. Location 1 Castle View, Neath SA11 3LY NGR SS7536597795 Selected Bibliography Heneb. (2024). Neath Castle. PRN 00624w. Archwilio: The Historic Environment Record for Wales. Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust. Available at: https://www.archwilio.org.uk (Accessed 13 Apr. 2025). Kenyon, J. (2010). The Medieval Castles of Wales. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. Lindsay, E. (1998). The Castles of Wales. London: Constable and Company Ltd. Morgan, R. and Lewis, R. (2023). 3D Photogrammetric Survey, Archaeological Watching Brief & Historic Building Record: Masonry Wall Collapse and Repair Neath Castle. Black Mountains Archaeology. Report No. BMA2023/012. Salter, M. (2002). The Castles of Gwent, Glamorgan & Gower. Malvern: Folly Publications. RCAHMW. (2000). Glamorgan: Later Castles. London: HMSO. RCAHMW. (2024). Neath Castle. NPRN 94528. Coflein: The Online Catalogue of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. Available at: https://coflein.gov.uk (Accessed 13 Apr. 2025). Cite this work Harvard or APA Style Dallimore, J. (2026 August 2). Neath Castle. The Archaeology Addict. Retrieved from https://thearchaeologyaddict.wixsite.com/thearchaeologyaddict/post/neath-castle MLA Style Dallimore, Jessica J. "Neath Castle" The Archaeology Addict. The Archaeology Addict. 2 Aug 2026. https://thearchaeologyaddict.wixsite.com/thearchaeologyaddict/post/neath-castle Chicago Style Dallimore, Jessica J. "Neath Castle" The Archaeology Addict. Last modified August 2, 2026. https://thearchaeologyaddict.wixsite.com/thearchaeologyaddict/post/neath-castle

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