Rating
4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)
User Reviews
Chris vonruhland (6 months ago)
Nice little ruined castle and some great views across the surrounding countryside. Unfortunately, the rooms either side of the gatehouse were locked, as was access to the raised walkway, above.
Nice little ruined castle and some great views across the surrounding countryside. Unfortunately, the rooms either side of the gatehouse were locked, as was access to the raised walkway, above.
Les Spaine (8 months ago)
St Quintins Castle is located in the village of Llanblethian, Cowbridge, Wales. It is a scheduled monument and a Grade II* listed building and is under the care of Cadw. The site was first occupied with a defensive structure in about 1102 and the gatehouse and further building work took place around 1312. It was later used as a prison and was reported as being in a ruinous state by 1741. Around 1102 Robert Fitzhamon, the first Norman Lord of Glamorgan bequeathed the lands of Llanblethian as a lordship to Herbert de St Quentin who is thought to have built the first fortification at the site of the castle. This initial construct was believed to have been a simple ringwork defence with timber walls, a bank and ditch. A rectangular stone keep was built in the late 12th century, whose remains can now be found within the later gatehouse. This keep may have replaced a similar wooden structure. The lordship remained with the St Quentin family until 1233 when the land was seized by Richard Siward, but he then lost it to Earl Richard de Clare in 1245. Richard de Clare seized large areas of this part of Glamorganshire, from Cowbridge to Llantrisant, but it was his grandson, Earl Gilbert de Clare, who began to build the stone structure of St Quintins Castle which stands today. This was thought to have been roughly after 1307, but Gilbert de Clare was killed in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 before the castle was completed. Modern historians believe that the lack of inner courtyard buildings and the weakness of the curtain wall points to the hypothesis that the castle was never fully completed. The castle itself is a rectangular stone walled enclosure, roughly 64 metres East to West. The walls are roughly 120 centimetres in thickness. It is set on a spur above steep slopes on all sides apart from the East side. The weak East side of the fortification is protected by a twin-tower gatehouse and a further two towers East entrance facade. The best defensive side is the southern side which falls away sharply to the River Thaw. It was reported as being ruinous by 1741. #stquintinscastle #cowbridge
St Quintins Castle is located in the village of Llanblethian, Cowbridge, Wales. It is a scheduled monument and a Grade II* listed building and is under the care of Cadw. The site was first occupied with a defensive structure in about 1102 and the gatehouse and further building work took place around 1312. It was later used as a prison and was reported as being in a ruinous state by 1741. Around 1102 Robert Fitzhamon, the first Norman Lord of Glamorgan bequeathed the lands of Llanblethian as a lordship to Herbert de St Quentin who is thought to have built the first fortification at the site of the castle. This initial construct was believed to have been a simple ringwork defence with timber walls, a bank and ditch. A rectangular stone keep was built in the late 12th century, whose remains can now be found within the later gatehouse. This keep may have replaced a similar wooden structure. The lordship remained with the St Quentin family until 1233 when the land was seized by Richard Siward, but he then lost it to Earl Richard de Clare in 1245. Richard de Clare seized large areas of this part of Glamorganshire, from Cowbridge to Llantrisant, but it was his grandson, Earl Gilbert de Clare, who began to build the stone structure of St Quintins Castle which stands today. This was thought to have been roughly after 1307, but Gilbert de Clare was killed in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 before the castle was completed. Modern historians believe that the lack of inner courtyard buildings and the weakness of the curtain wall points to the hypothesis that the castle was never fully completed. The castle itself is a rectangular stone walled enclosure, roughly 64 metres East to West. The walls are roughly 120 centimetres in thickness. It is set on a spur above steep slopes on all sides apart from the East side. The weak East side of the fortification is protected by a twin-tower gatehouse and a further two towers East entrance facade. The best defensive side is the southern side which falls away sharply to the River Thaw. It was reported as being ruinous by 1741. #stquintinscastle #cowbridge
Mart W. (12 months ago)
Ruined remains of a 14th-century castle Probably built by English nobleman and military commander Gilbert de Clare in the early 14th century. Still visible twin-towered gatehouse and high stretch of curtain wall on the north of the site. In the centre of what was once a large fortress is an earthen mound with the remains of a thick-walled building on top of it, which may be all that’s left of an earlier keep. Generally not much to explore but keep in good condition so nice to spent a time wandering around. Free to access. Gates open 7days a week until 4PM.
Ruined remains of a 14th-century castle Probably built by English nobleman and military commander Gilbert de Clare in the early 14th century. Still visible twin-towered gatehouse and high stretch of curtain wall on the north of the site. In the centre of what was once a large fortress is an earthen mound with the remains of a thick-walled building on top of it, which may be all that’s left of an earlier keep. Generally not much to explore but keep in good condition so nice to spent a time wandering around. Free to access. Gates open 7days a week until 4PM.
henry lavery (17 months ago)
You don't need to buy tickets to enter. There is a small car park and you can walk around the grounds. Not very wheelchair friendly, however there is plenty to see here. You can climb up the castle and see some great views. There is a walk by a nearby river which is very scenic. Easy to find and plenty of laid out gravel paths to follow. There are interesting signs about the history for the castle as well. Good spot for a picnic.
You don't need to buy tickets to enter. There is a small car park and you can walk around the grounds. Not very wheelchair friendly, however there is plenty to see here. You can climb up the castle and see some great views. There is a walk by a nearby river which is very scenic. Easy to find and plenty of laid out gravel paths to follow. There are interesting signs about the history for the castle as well. Good spot for a picnic.
Cymru Jon (19 months ago)
Beautiful serene 14th century ruins on a hill overlooking Cowbridge. The site is well maintained by Cadw and has a tiny car park, alternatively its a steep but nice 15 minute walk from the High Street. There is a walkway in the gatehouse so you can enjoy the views. Nice place to spend 30 minutes plus good walks.
Beautiful serene 14th century ruins on a hill overlooking Cowbridge. The site is well maintained by Cadw and has a tiny car park, alternatively its a steep but nice 15 minute walk from the High Street. There is a walkway in the gatehouse so you can enjoy the views. Nice place to spend 30 minutes plus good walks.
