White Castle, Glangrwyney (South Wales)

Imposing moated remains of twelfth-century castle, probably the work of Henry II.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older)

Introduction

Imposing moated remains of twelfth-century castle, probably the work of Henry II. Substantially remodelled in the second half of the thirteenth century. The castle was held in common with Grosmont and Skenfrith.

History to the present day

White Castle stands on a low hill about a mile from the village of Llantilio Crossenny. It is known in Welsh as Castell Gwyn after a local ruler of early Norman times, Gwyn ap Gwaethfoed but the original name of the castle was Llantilio Castle. The name White Castle was first recorded in the 13th century and refers to the white rendering which can still be seen on parts of the exterior walls.

Originally the defences at White Castle were made of earth and timber and the site was entered from the south. The outer ward may have been a defended enclosure where armies in the field could camp without fear of attack and was hidden away to the rear. The same earthwork plan can be seen at Usk Castle which may date from the same period. In the 13th century the stone defences were built and the whole castle was rotated 180 degrees. A new gatehouse was built which faced the outer ward and became the entrance to the castle.

Grosmont and Skenfrith along with White castle formed the "Three Castles", an important strategic triangle which helped control this area of the southern March. All three royal castles were granted to Hubert de Burgh by King John in 1201 and unlike the other two the White Castle was not rebuilt in the new defensive style of the early 13th century.

 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: White Castle, South Wales, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

 

01.04.10 - 31.10.10: Daily 10.00 - 17.00

01.11.10 - 31.03.11: Open site

 

Open sites are unstaffed and open to the public with no admission charge at all reasonable times, usually between 10 and 4 daily.

 

Admission prices:

 

Adult: £2.60

Concession: £2.25

Family: £7.45

 

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.