Newcastle Castle, Bridgend: Difference between revisions
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{{Use British English|date=May 2015}} |
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[[File:Newcastle Castle Bridgend.jpg|thumb|300px|Newcastle Castle, Bridgend]] |
[[File:Newcastle Castle Bridgend.jpg|thumb|300px|Newcastle Castle, Bridgend]] |
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'''Newcastle Castle''' is a [[medieval castle]] located on Newcastle Hill, overlooking the town centre of [[Bridgend]] in [[Glamorgan]], South [[Wales]]. It was originally believed to date from 1106 when a [[ringwork]] was created at the site by the [[Normans|Norman]] baron [[Robert Fitzhamon]]. |
'''Newcastle Castle''' is a [[medieval castle]] located on Newcastle Hill, overlooking the town centre of [[Bridgend]] in [[Glamorgan]], South [[Wales]]. It was originally believed to date from 1106 when a [[ringwork]] was created at the site by the [[Normans|Norman]] baron [[Robert Fitzhamon]]. Some of the fine stonework survives, but today the castle is ruinous. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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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 [[Normans|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.<ref name="salter">Salter (2002), p.88</ref> It is one of three castles built by the Normans in the area at the time, the others being [[Coity Castle]] and [[Ogmore Castle]]. |
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 [[Normans|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.<ref name="salter">Salter (2002), p.88</ref> It is one of three castles built by the Normans in the area at the time, the others being [[Coity Castle]] and [[Ogmore Castle]].<ref name=CofW/> |
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The defences were strengthened either by [[William Fitz Robert, 2nd Earl of Gloucester]], shortly before his death in 1183 or by [[Henry II of England|Henry II]] who took over the lordship of [[Glamorgan]] on William's death. The additional works saw the construction of a 2m thick curtain wall which surrounded a courtyard which was 40m in length.<ref name="salter"/> 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]].<ref name="salter"/> Henry died in 1189 and the ownership of Newcastle fell to [[John, King of England|Prince John]], who that year handed the castle to Morgan ap Caradog. When Morgan died c1208, he was succeeded by his son Lleison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wbo.llgc.org.uk/en/s-MORG-APC-1208.html|title=Morgan ap Caradog ap Iestyn|publisher=llgc.org.uk|accessdate=27 October 2012}}</ref> 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.<ref name="salter"/> 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]]. |
The defences were strengthened either by [[William Fitz Robert, 2nd Earl of Gloucester]], shortly before his death in 1183 or by [[Henry II of England|Henry II]] who took over the lordship of [[Glamorgan]] on William's death. The additional works saw the construction of a 2m thick curtain wall which surrounded a courtyard which was 40m in length.<ref name="salter"/> 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]].<ref name="salter"/> Henry died in 1189 and the ownership of Newcastle fell to [[John, King of England|Prince John]], who that year handed the castle to Morgan ap Caradog. When Morgan died c1208, he was succeeded by his son Lleison.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wbo.llgc.org.uk/en/s-MORG-APC-1208.html|title=Morgan ap Caradog ap Iestyn|publisher=llgc.org.uk|accessdate=27 October 2012}}</ref> 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.<ref name="salter"/> 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.<ref name=CofW>{{cite web |url=http://www.castlewales.com/newcas1.html |title=Newcastle Castle |author=Thomas, Jeffrey |year=2009 |publisher=Castles of Wales |accessdate=7 April 2016}}</ref> |
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==The site== |
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The castle passed through three families. The three families being the Turberville family, the Berkerolle family and also the Gamage family. It was bought by Samuel Edwin of Llanmihangel Place and later became part of Dunraven Estate. |
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The castle is notable for the high quality of the stonework, especially that of the Norman doorway. This is late twelfth 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 sixteenth century when Tudor windows and fireplaces were added.<ref name=CofW/> |
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==Visitor information== |
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Newcastle Castle is under the care of [[Cadw]]. It is open free of charge throughout the year. There is a small parking area adjoining the site. There is a flight of ten steps between the two main grassland levels which will restrict access for wheelchair users.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/newcastle/?lang=en |title=Newcastle, Bridgend |publisher=Cadw |accessdate=7 April 2016}}</ref> |
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==References and sources== |
==References and sources== |
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;References |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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;Sources |
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* {{cite book |last=Salter |first=Mike |coauthors= |title=Castles of Gwent, Glamorgan and Gower |year=2002 |publisher=Folly Publications |location=Malvern |isbn=1-871731-61-5}} |
* {{cite book |last=Salter |first=Mike |coauthors= |title=Castles of Gwent, Glamorgan and Gower |year=2002 |publisher=Folly Publications |location=Malvern |isbn=1-871731-61-5}} |
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* [[Castles in Great Britain and Ireland]] |
* [[Castles in Great Britain and Ireland]] |
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==External links== |
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*[http://www.castlewales.com/newcas1.html Castles of Wales website] (includes other photos and further historical background) |
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{{coord|51|30|32|N|3|34|59|W|display=title}} |
{{coord|51|30|32|N|3|34|59|W|display=title}} |
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{{Bridgend}} |
{{Bridgend}} |
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{{Wales-castle-stub}} |
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[[Category:Castles in Bridgend County Borough]] |
[[Category:Castles in Bridgend County Borough]] |
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[[Category:Castle ruins in Wales]] |
[[Category:Castle ruins in Wales]] |
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Revision as of 12:44, 7 April 2016
Newcastle Castle is a medieval castle located on Newcastle Hill, overlooking the town centre of Bridgend in Glamorgan, South Wales. It was originally believed to date from 1106 when a ringwork was created at the site by the Norman baron Robert Fitzhamon. Some of the fine stonework survives, but today the castle is ruinous.
History
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.[1] It is one of three castles built by the Normans in the area at the time, the others being Coity Castle and Ogmore Castle.[2]
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 saw the construction of a 2m thick curtain wall which surrounded a courtyard which was 40m in length.[1] 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.[1] 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 c1208, he was succeeded by his son Lleison.[3] 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.[1] 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.[2]
The site
The castle is notable for the high quality of the stonework, especially that of the Norman doorway. This is late twelfth 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 sixteenth century when Tudor windows and fireplaces were added.[2]
Visitor information
Newcastle Castle is under the care of Cadw. It is open free of charge throughout the year. There is a small parking area adjoining the site. There is a flight of ten steps between the two main grassland levels which will restrict access for wheelchair users.[4]
References and sources
- ^ a b c d Salter (2002), p.88
- ^ a b c Thomas, Jeffrey (2009). "Newcastle Castle". Castles of Wales. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
- ^ "Morgan ap Caradog ap Iestyn". llgc.org.uk. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
- ^ "Newcastle, Bridgend". Cadw. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
- Salter, Mike (2002). Castles of Gwent, Glamorgan and Gower. Malvern: Folly Publications. ISBN 1-871731-61-5.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help)
See also
- List of castles in Wales
- List of Scheduled Monuments in Bridgend
- List of Cadw properties
- Castles in Great Britain and Ireland
51°30′32″N 3°34′59″W / 51.50889°N 3.58306°W
