Europe · United Kingdom · Newport, Wales
Castell Meredydd
The story
History of Castell Meredydd
Castell Meredydd, also called Castell Machen, was a castle in Gwynllwg, Wales in the 13th century, long since ruined.
United Kingdom · Newport, Wales
- Built
- 13th century
- Era
- Medieval
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Newport, Wales
- UNESCO
- —
- Coordinates
- 51.592, -3.119
In depth
The fuller history
The outcrop on which the castle stands was first fortified in the late 12th century by Meredydd Gethin. Morgan ap Hywel, who succeeded his father Hywel as Lord of Gwynllwg around 1215, lost Caerleon in October 1217 to the forces of William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke (1146–1219), lord of Striguil. However, Morgan managed to retain Castell Machen for most of his life. Morgan strengthened it by the addition of a tower. He probably built the round tower, or keep, in 1217. Gilbert Marshal captured Castell Meredydd in 1236 during a truce between Llywelyn the Great and King Henry III of England.
Key dates
- 1217He probably built the round tower, or keep, in 1217.
- 1236Gilbert Marshal captured Castell Meredydd in 1236 during a truce between Llywelyn the Great and King Henry III of England.
- 1248Morgan died not long before 15 March 1248.
- 1270He was succeeded by his grandson Meredudd ap Gruffudd (died 1270), son of his daughter Gwerful and of Gryffudd ap Maredud, a grandson of Lord Rhys.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
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