Wiston Castle, Wiston, United Kingdom

Wiston Castle is a motte and bailey castle in the Pembrokeshire village of Wiston. The castle and village were founded by Wizo, a Flemish settler who was granted the land by Henry I of England after he had wrested control from the previous owner, Arnulf de Montgomery (who was in revolt against Henry). The castle was captured by the Welsh on several occasions but on each occasion it was retaken. It was abandoned during the thirteenth century when the then owner moved to nearby Picton Castle.

Wiston Castle is considered one of the best preserved motte-and-bailey castles in Wales. It is built on the summit of a hill to the north of Wiston with the motte about 9 m above the base of the ditch. Surrounding the flat top there is a shell-keep that would have been the main fortification inside which all the buildings, mostly made of timber, would have been placed. The external face of the shell-keep is polygonal, with eighteen short sections, but some of these have subsided into the ditch on the north side. The inside of the shell-keep is circular. There is an arched entrance on the south side and on either side of this there are draw-bar holes which would have been used to secure the main gate. Inside is a large, oval bailey protected by a well-preserved bank. The lord's main residence would have been inside the bailey.

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User Reviews

Roy Sirl (2 years ago)
Very fine example of a Motte and Bailey castle, a little hidden away from the road. Parking straightforward close to the nearby church, but then it was a muddy field to cross to get to the steps up to the castle. No cattle on the day we visited. Charming ruin, very pleased we visited.

Len Jones (2 years ago)
Nice little castle. Worth a visit if you are in the area. Really just a single tower on a hill but interesting all the same.

Hannah Bradshaw (2 years ago)
Ruins are great for a brief look. Notice board informative and steps good to climb up. We parked by the church which had a little space. However, we had our dog with us and the field to get to the castle was full of bullocks with no warning or signs.. so we didn’t truly enjoy our experience as they were so interested in us!

Pete / Hel (2 years ago)
An interesting place to visit, not a lot left, the moat can be seen with the remains of the keep, you can park by the church which is about 2/3 mins walk away.

Dan Booth (3 years ago)
Impressive and remarkable considering it is nearly 1000 years old! A free site in the middle of a cow field, so don't expect a shop, toilets etc but do expect a cow or two and maybe a cow pat in the castle. Lots of steps to go up so not one for the less fit.

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