Llansteffan Castle, Llansteffan (South Wales)

Remains of a castle established in the earlier twelfth century within the site of an Iron Age promontory fort.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older)

Introduction

Remains of a castle established in the earlier twelfth century within the site of an Iron Age promontory fort. Rebuilt in stone, and held by the de Camvilles for much of the Middle Ages. 

History to the present day

Llansteffan Castle sits on the site of an early 12th century earth and timber ringwork fortress, founded by the Norman invaders. It is near both Castel Moel and St Clears Castle. The castle overlooks the Tyw estuary and is built within an Iron Age promontory fort. It benefits from a strong bank and ditch which help to defend the fore of the castle.

William de Camville began the construction of the stone castle in 1192 by encasing the oval ringwork with a curtain wall. A square gatehouse and a small round keep to flank the curtain wall of this upper ward were built in the early 13th century. In the late 13th century, Geoffrey de Camville encased the lower ward with a curtain wall, several towers and a huge twin-towered gatehouse.

In the late 15th century, Jasper Tudor, earl of Pembroke converted the outer gatehouse into a private residence, and added an adjacent new gatehouse.

 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Llansteffan Castle, South Wales, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

 

Open site all year round.

 

Open sites are unstaffed and open to the public with no admission charge at all reasonable times, usually between 10.00 and 16.00 daily.

 

 

 

Photographs courtesy of CADW photographic library.