Llansteffan Castle, Llansteffan, United Kingdom

Llansteffan Castle sits on a much older Iron Age promontory fort, proving Llansteffan has been inhabited for several millennia. The hill where the castle stands commands the River Tywi estuary. The hill would have been stripped of trees so that foot soldiers were vulnerable to attack by archers. The original earthworks can still be seen and were used as part of the modern castle's defence system - the castle proper rests within the earthwork rings.

The castle was built by the Normans after 1100 as part of their invasion of Wales and granted to the Marmion family before passing to the de Camvilles through marriage.

It was captured by Maredudd ap Gruffydd in 1146 against the forces of Maurice FitzGerald, Lord of Lanstephan and his brother William FitzGerald, Lord of Emlyn who were the leading Norman settlers of the region. The castle was retaken by the Normans in 1158. Llywelyn the Great recaptured the castle for the Welsh in 1215 and taken back by the de Camville family sometime after 1223. The castle fell to Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1257 but returned to the de Camvilles by the 1260s.

The castle was captured twice by the forces of Owain Glyndŵr in 1403 and c.1405. It was recaptured by Sir John Pennes in 1408. The castle was later granted to the Crown and the two-tower Gatehouse was converted into a residence.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Laura Irons (11 months ago)
Went up the the castle a couple of weeks ago, it's quite a steep walk up so bear that in mind. The castle is free entry, dogs are welcome but need to be kept on a lead. Beautiful views once inside the ruins and looking out over the estuary. Steps to go up and view parts of the castle and boards with information on the castle and its history. The three times that I have been up there its been just me and the dogs, very quiet and peaceful here. Definitely worth a visit if you like castles and beautiful views.

Ga Ga (12 months ago)
Brilliant little castle to explore. Dog friendly. Free parking (if you park in the far car park), or pay and display near the park. Lovely walk through some woodland. Castle it free to enter. Not staffed, so you can explore without issues. Spectacular views. Lovely place for a picnic.

Alexandra Rogers (14 months ago)
Beautiful views from the castle, 360 degrees of wonderful country and sea It is a trek from parking areas (all uphill) but lovely views on the way If going by satnav/Google maps it'll take you down a tight, single track road and halfway there's a sign saying no parking at castle! Would be better to put the sign at the front of the lane, had to reverse all the way down! Free entry Town is also lovely, would 10/10 recommend and will revisit!

Si Cooper (15 months ago)
Nice walk in the sun up to the castle. The view were great. I would advice walk around the castle on the way down and loop back to the most beautiful beach. Was great to take our dog!

Rob McConnell (16 months ago)
Once you get up to the castle, the views are amazing. Particularly like the stone spiral staircase taking you up a couple of floors! Free entry makes this an enjoyable, cheap day out.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Staffan O Andersson

Historic Site of the week

Gamla Uppsala Church

The stone church of Gamla Uppsala, built over the pagan temple, dates from the early 12th century. Due to fire and renovations, the present church is only a remnant of the original cathedral.

Before the arrival of Christianity in Sweden, Gamla Uppsala was the seat of Swedish kings and a ceremonial site known all over northern Europe. The settlement was home to royal palaces, a royal burial ground, and a great pagan temple. The Uppsala temple, which was described in detail by Adam of Bremen in the 1070s, housed wooden statues of the Norse gods Odin, Thor and Freyr. A golden chain hung across its gables and the inside was richly decorated with gold. The temple had priests, who sacrificed to the gods according to the needs of the people.

The first Christian cathedral was probably built in the 11th century, but finished in the 12th century. The stone building may have been preceded by a wooden church and probably by the large pagan temple.

Llansteffan Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Gamla Uppsala Church