Raglan Castle, Raglan (South Wales)

Remains of impressive fifteenth-century castle.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Gift shop Information provided Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Introduction

Remains of impressive fifteenth-century castle built by Sir William ap Thomas and his son William Herbert, remodelled by William Somerset, third earl of Worcester, 1549-89. Despite demolition attempts during the Civil War, much of the hexagonal-shaped Great Tower and lavish suites of state apartments still survive.

History to the present day

Raglan Castle as it is today was built mostly in the fifteenth century. We know there was a manor house on the site in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Before that there may well have been a motte-and-bailey castle built after the Norman conquest in the eleventh century.

The castle we see today was begun by Sir William ap Thomas around 1435. He started to build the Great Tower, a massive keep with a moat.

When he died in 1445 his son William Herbert inherited the castle. He was an important supporter of Edward IV, and in 1460 he began a building programme, developing grand living quarters around two courtyards, the Fountain Court and the Pitched Stone Court. Raglan’s impressive gatehouse also dates to this time. William Herbert did not finish his building programme, however, because he was executed in 1469.

The castle remained unchanged for a while, then the Somerset family inherited it. They were the earls of Worcester. William Somerset, the third earl, redesigned the great hall in Tudor style, extended the Pitched Stone Court and designed the large gardens, complete with a lake. These were extended and enhanced by his son Edward.

In 1642 Civil War broke out in Britain between King Charles I and Parliament, and the fifth earl sided with the King. In 1646 the Parliamentarian army besieged the castle for ten weeks before it finally surrendered. The commander, Sir Thomas Fairfax, ordered that the castle be demolished to stop it being used by the king's forces again. In 1938 Raglan was taken over by the government. It was made safe and opened to the public. 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Raglan Castle, South Wales, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

 

Spring:

01.11.09 - 31.03.10: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

01.04.10 - 30.06.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

Summer:

01.04.10 - 30.06.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

01.07.10 - 31.08.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 18.00

Autumn:

01.09.10 - 31.10.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

01.11.10 - 28.02.11: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

Winter:

01.11.10 - 28.02.11: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

01.03.11 - 31.03.11: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

 

Admission prices:

 

Adult - £3.00

Concession - £2.60

Family - £8.60

Entry is free for Welsh residents aged 60 and over or 16 and under who have a valid pass.

 

Photographs courtesy of CADW photographic library.