Europe · United Kingdom · Swansea
Loughor Castle
The story
History of Loughor Castle
Loughor Castle () is a ruined, medieval fortification located in the town of Loughor, Wales. The castle was built around 1106 by the Anglo-Norman lord Henry de Beaumont, during the Norman invasion of Wales.
United Kingdom · Swansea
- Built
- 13th century
- Era
- Medieval
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Swansea
- UNESCO
- —
- Coordinates
- 51.662, -4.078
In depth
The fuller history
Over the next two centuries, the castle was involved in many conflicts. It was attacked and burnt, probably in the Welsh uprising of 1151, and was captured by the forces of Llywelyn the Great in 1215. John de Braose acquired the castle in 1220 and repaired it, constructing a stone curtain wall to replace the older defences. Attacked again in 1251, the castle was reinforced with a stone tower in the second half of the 13th century.
In the 21st century, Loughor Castle is controlled by the Welsh heritage agency Cadw and operated as a tourist attraction. The ruined tower and fragments of the curtain wall still survive on top of the ringwork's earthwork defences, which now resemble a motte, or mound, and are part of the Loughor Castle Park.
Key dates
- 1106The castle was built around 1106 by the Anglo-Norman lord Henry de Beaumont, during the Norman invasion of Wales.
- 1203Loughor Castle was given by King John to his ally William de Braose in 1203; William was a powerful Marcher Lord, and related to Rhys ap Gruffudd and his extended family.
- 1215In 1215, the castle was captured by Llywelyn's forces and control of Gower was granted to Reginald.
- 1220John de Braose acquired the castle in 1220 and repaired it, constructing a stone curtain wall to replace the older defences.
- 1302In 1302, William de Braose granted the Loughor estate to his seneschal, John Yweyn, for life, in exchange for an annual fee of a greyhound collar.
- 1327Edward fell from power in 1327, and the Loughor lands were granted to John de Mowbray's son, John.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
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