Newcastle Castle, Bridgend, United Kingdom

Newcastle Castle was initially constructed as a ringwork 1106 by William de Londres, one of the legendary Twelve Knights of Glamorgan, as part of the Norman invasion of Wales. William de Londres was a knight loyal to the Norman baron Robert Fitzhamon and the Newcastle defences marked the most western extent of Fitzhamon's lordship.

The defences were strengthened either by William Fitz Robert, 2nd Earl of Gloucester, shortly before his death in 1183 or by Henry II who took over the lordship of Glamorgan on William's death. The additional works had the construction of a 2-m-thick curtain wall which surrounded a courtyard which was 40 m in length. The main reason behind these new defences was believed to be a response to the uprising in Glamorgan led by the Welsh Lord of Afan, Morgan ap Caradog. Henry died in 1189, and the ownership of Newcastle fell to Prince John, who that year handed the castle to Morgan ap Caradog. When Morgan died circa 1208, he was succeeded by his son Lleison. On Lleison's death, thought to be around 1214, the castle came into the ownership of Isabel, Countess of Gloucester, the first wife of King John. In 1217, the ownership changed again, staying briefly with the Anglo-Norman baron Gilbert Fitz Richard, who in the same year handed the castle over to Gilbert de Turberville, who preferred to continue living at Coity Castle.

The castle is notable for the high quality of the stonework, especially that of the Norman doorway. This is late 12th century, and was likely constructed at the same time as the high curtain walls and the two square towers which they support. Only the base of the west tower survives, but the south tower has three storeys. This was remodelled for living quarters in the 16th century, when Tudor windows and fireplaces were added.

Newcastle Castle is under the care of Cadw. It is open free of charge throughout the year.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Pete / Hel Havard (2 years ago)
Another free castle ruin, not much left, just the outer wall remains, great for kids to run around as you can keep an eye on them, entrance gate is up 'The Square' street, and just in front of you. Nice little church opposite.

Cymru Jon (2 years ago)
Striking remains of a medieval castle situated on a hill overlooking Bridgend town centre. The castle now comprises of the walls, remains of one tower and the famous Norman doorway. Its free to visit and there is a small car park next to the church. Visiting the three Bridgend castle's makes a great day out.

Kate Parsons (3 years ago)
Pretty castle ruins and pretty church

Nigel Carl (3 years ago)
Lovely remains of a small Castle/Keep , just outside the town centre, pity one of the gates inside it is still locked, but a great place for a picnic .

Christine Cheverall (3 years ago)
Lovely castle ruins, with pretty stonework around the main entrance of what used to be the castle. Now, this isn't the most wheelchair accessible site because of the steps at said main castle entrance. However, the entrance to the grounds is perfectly fine for wheelchair access - and the sole information board is in the bit without steps. Parking isn't too far away either, a short slope away.

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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.

Newcastle Castle

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