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 (2 years 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 (2 years 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 (2 years 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 (2 years 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 (2 years 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.

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Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

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