Ruthin Castle

Ruthin, United Kingdom

Ruthin Castle is a medieval castle fortification in Wales, near the town of Ruthin in the Vale of Clwyd. It was constructed during the late 13th century by Dafydd ap Gruffydd, the brother of Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, on a red sandstone ridge overlooking the valley. Part of the ancient walls still remain and now form part of the Ruthin Castle Hotel.

Ruthin Castle occupies a site that was first used as an Iron Age fort. In 1277, Edward I of England granted the land to Dafydd ap Gruffydd in gratitude for his assistance during the invasion of North Wales. It is unclear whether there was an existing fort on the site or whether Dafydd established the castle.

Between 1579 and 1580, the Castle was used for the imprisonment and torture of Welsh poet, recusant schoolmaster Richard Gwyn, who was hanged, drawn, and quartered at Wrexham in 1584. Gwyn was canonized in 1970 by Pope Paul VI as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.

At the start of the English Civil War the castle was in a state of disrepair and the necessary works were hastily performed to make it defensible. It withstood an eleven-week siege by parliamentary troops in 1646 before surrendering when the attackers announced that they intended to lay mines under the walls. Oliver Cromwell's forces later dismantled and demolished the castle, in a process of organised de-fortification called slighting.

In 1923 the castle became Britain's first private hospital for the investigation and treatment of obscure internal diseases, but this was closed in about 1950. Since the 1960s the castle remains have been incorporated into a hotel.

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Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Dan M (20 months ago)
Had a brilliant and memorable time staying at the castle for a weekend. Despite the grandeur of the castle, the feel is very unpretentious. We were advised by the staff to explore, which was made better by the fact you don't feel like you're being watched at all times by staff. It was incredible being able to wander around somewhere with such depth of history. The bar man gave us a leaflet to learn more about the castle and really made us appreciate how special it was that we were staying there. Having dinner on site and the spa booked made for a relaxing time, and gave just enough time to explore the surrounding village which has some unique features to discover. Perhaps the best hotel experience we've ever had.
Eddy Parsons (21 months ago)
This was a spa gift with a afternoon tea. The soap was excellent, friendly atmosphere with lovely staff. But I dud not rate the restaurant or the staff. We had to wait a while before the staff noted we wanted to enter. Whilst the food was great, I was only offered one small cup of coffee, to go with the finger sandwiches, scone and cakes. I feel that the Waitress should have come and asked if we were OK, and asked if we wanted anything else. Where I would have requested another drink, as I feel the afternoon tea could have done with another drink. I felt very ill at ease in the restaurant. I would return again for the spa, but avoid the restaurant.
Paul Yates (2 years ago)
Ruthin Castle is a beautiful place in a lovely setting. The staff where very pleasant and helpful, We ate there as there where 19 of us. A good meal to a good standard was the general consensus. Also a pleasant surprise that the drinks where not extortionate like you find in other establishments. The rooms where unfortunately scruffy and dated. But with that they where clean to decent standard. Overall a pleasant experience and nothing a deep clean and a lick of paint wouldn’t fix. Thanks to the staff for looking after us.?
Fiona Walker (2 years ago)
Visited the spa last night with a friend for her birthday. What a beautiful location , we arrived early & enjoyed a stroll around the castle grounds . The Spa was amazing, loved the decor & the staff couldn't have been nicer , they made us feel so welcome. We enjoyed the sauna & steam room then we had booked in for the hot mud room. It was so much fun applying the mud & the steam was so relaxing then we finished off with a hour in the woodland hot tub with a glass of fizz. The moon was out & the fairy lights looked magical. Feel like a new woman today. Had to leave a review as we will definitely be back!
Dorota Biedron (2 years ago)
It might not be for everyone, but it's my liking—a fantastic place, with a beautiful garden. Rooms are fine. Big, clean. If you fancy walking/hike...lots around. Staff was incredibly nice. I only had lunch at the hotel; it was lovely. There are a couple of excellent pubs in the town if you fancy a change of scenery ?
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