Carmarthen Castle

Carmarthen, United Kingdom

Carmarthen Castle  was first built by Walter, Sheriff of Gloucester in the early 1100s. It was captured and destroyed on several occasions before being rebuilt in stone during the 1190s. The castle was captured by Owain Glyndŵr in 1405. Henry VII's father died at Carmarthen Castle in 1456. During the Wars of the Roses the castle fell to William Herbert and, during the Civil War, was captured by Parliamentary forces. It was dismantled by order of Oliver Cromwell in the mid 1600s.

It has been used as the site of Carmarthen's gaol until the 1920s. The remains of the castle were given a Grade I heritage listing in 1954 and is currently a tourist attraction and site of the town's Tourist Information Centre.

The castle is accessed today via the surviving 13-metre-high gatehouse on Nott Square or alternatively via the Old Castle Gaol entrance on Castle hill.

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Founded: 1190s
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

Rating

3.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Paul Wirral (2 years ago)
A lovely situated Castle that is in and amongst the little artisan shops on Camarthan's high street at the top of the hill. It is free to enter as there is not enough of it to make it chargeable. It has nice views over Camarthan but apart from that it is not somewgete you would make a point of travelling to. Nice to sit outside in the little Square and watch the world pass by and gives you a medieval feel while you do
SteveplusChris (2 years ago)
Not worth a special excursion. Very little of it left, just an entrance gate and a bit of wall. Very historical of course and free to visit but not impressed. The rest of Carmarthen not up to much either.
Urbanfux (3 years ago)
Nice ruins to see if you happen to be in the area but I wouldn't make a special trip.
Nick Southern (3 years ago)
Not much left of it, just a wall and gatehouse. Plenty of information boards to give some historical context but nothing to keep you for longer than 15 mins .
Laura Irons (3 years ago)
The entrance to the castle ruins are situated in Carmarthen Town centre. It's free to take a wander around but there's not too much to see. A few boards up about its history but that's about it. Nice to see that it's open for the public and interesting to read up if you enjoy castles and history.
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