Dinefwr Castle

Llandeilo, United Kingdom

Dinefwr Castle lies on a ridge on the northern bank of the Tywi, with a steep drop of one hundred feet to the river. Dinefwr was the chief seat of the Kingdom of Deheubarth.

The present castle is entered via a fortified entrance protected by a restored length of battlement. The short path from the car park gives an extensive view of the Towy valley. The door admits the visitor to the main space enclosed by the walls, from which there are several stairs to the main battlements and towers. A narrow spiral staircase leads to a high tower, which gives extensive views of the deer park to the north and the Tywi valley to the south and west. The castle keep is entered via the cellar at its base, but access to the circular walkway at the top can only be made via the battlement walk. Details such as the well and several garderobes are visible in the structure. There is a path around the base of the main structure to the north.

History

Tradition relates that a castle was first constructed on this site by Rhodri the Great, but no archaeological remains have been dated from this period. Dinefwr later became the chief seat of Rhodri's grandson Hywel Dda, first ruler of Deheubarth and later king of most of Wales. Rhys ap Gruffydd, ruler of Deheubarth from 1155 to 1197, is thought to have rebuilt the castle. Giraldus Cambrensis tells a story about a plan by King Henry II of England to assault the castle during a campaign against Rhys. One of Henry's most trusted followers was sent on reconnaissance, guided by a local Welsh cleric, who was asked to lead him to the castle by the easiest route, but instead took the most difficult route he could find, ending the performance by stopping to eat grass with the explanation that this was the diet of the local people in times of hardship. The planned attack was duly abandoned.

Rhys ap Gruffydd also built the spectacular castle at Carreg Cennen, about four miles away to the south. It is not visible from Dynefwr, but Dryslwyn Castle can just be seen on a hill blocking the Tywi valley to the south-west. Rhys also founded two religious houses during this period. Talley Abbey was the first Premonstratensian abbey in Wales, while Llanllyr was a Cistercian nunnery, only the second nunnery to be founded in Wales and the first to prosper.

On Rhys ap Gruffydd's death the castle passed to his son Rhys Gryg, and the earliest parts of the present castle are thought to derive from this period. Llywelyn the Great of Gwynedd was now extending his influence to this area, and Rhys, finding himself unable to resist, dismantled the castle. Llywelyn however had it restored and held it until his death in 1240. In 1255 Llywelyn the Last gave Dinefwr to Rhys Fychan, then later gave it to Maredudd ap Rhys before later returning it to Rhys Fychan. Maredudd now allied himself to King Edward I of England, and his son Rhys ap Maredudd helped Edward capture Dinefwr in 1277. This Rhys had apparently been promised Dinefwr in return for his help, but Edward did not keep his promise and had Rhys executed in 1291.

The castle now came into English hands, though it is recorded to have been burnt during the rebellion of Llywelyn Bren in 1316. In 1317 it was given to Hugh Despenser, the king's favourite. It was unsuccessfully besieged by the forces of Owain Glyndŵr in 1403. Towards the end of the 15th century the castle was held by Sir Rhys ap Thomas, who carried out extensive rebuilding. In 1531 his grandson Rhys ap Gruffydd was executed for treason and the castle was confiscated by the crown, though the family were later able to recover it. In 1660 Newton House was built nearby and the castle keep modified as a summer house. The remains of the large windows can be seen at the top of the keep, but it burned down in the 18th century. The castle is now owned by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and managed by CADW on their behalf.

Public access

Visitors who wish to see the castle and are driving there, may park in the town and walk up to the Castle using the free Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales access route. If visitors walk or park in the National Trust site and are not National Trust, Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales or Cadw members there is a site entrance charge. There is a small free car park near the castle for disabled badge holders, but it can only be reached by a rough track through a field. Permission can be gained at the National Trust office to drive over the field up to the castle, weather and conditions permitting.

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Address

Llandeilo, United Kingdom
See all sites in Llandeilo

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Jessibeth15 (6 months ago)
Lovely castle with a couple of routes to get up to it. One way has a fairly steep hill, but there's another way up that isn't as steep. Wonderful woods with plenty of wildlife on the way up. Gorgeous views all around.
Rachel O'Brien (8 months ago)
Wonderful place for a day out! The house is great and so is the castle. We did a great walk with the dogs too. I was amazed dogs were allowed in the house! Very cool, their first time in an NT house. They weren’t allowed in the castle so we just took turns.
Katie Macdonald (8 months ago)
Absolutely stunning ? We have had the best day today walking up through the nature reserve to reach the castle ? which our daughter has been desperate to visit! It was so beautiful and we were the only people there.. the views were breathtaking!! Definitely recommended!
Martin Arrowsmith (11 months ago)
What a great place to visit. Two attractions for the price of one. Newton House was dressed beautifully for the Season. It's a peaceful, calming house with great volunteers. The castle is certainly worth the stiff but short walk uphill to visit. The views of the flooded Tywi plain were spread out before us from the walls of the castle. Two towers and much of the walls are open and allow you to take in the fabulous views in all directions. We visited during a very wet December but were able to walk our 10,000 steps on great surfaced paths around the estate. Super place.
Toby Parker (12 months ago)
Set in amazing surroundings. A great day out for all the family. We went to their Christmas fair, very festive with plenty of food outlets and craft stalls. The staff were all very friendly and eager to help. Plenty to do with a castle a 20 minute walk away. Great well kept gardens including a fairy village. The only downside was waiting for a parking place but this was due to the amount of people visiting. Free for national trust members. Santa was available for the children at a small cost but they did get a gift. All in all a great time had by all.
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