Europe · United Kingdom · Pembrokeshire
Manorbier Castle
The story
History of Manorbier Castle
Manorbier Castle () is a Norman castle in Manorbier, southwest of Tenby, Wales. It was founded in the late 11th century by the Anglo-Norman de Barry family.
United Kingdom · Pembrokeshire
- Built
- 11th century
- Era
- Medieval
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Pembrokeshire
- UNESCO
- —
- Coordinates
- 51.646, -4.799
In depth
The fuller history
The land was granted to Odo de Barri, a Norman knight, at the end of the 11th century. Initially, he constructed a motte-and-bailey castle on the site which had a wooden keep defended by a palisade and earthworks embankments. In the early part of the 12th century, William de Barri, Odo's son, used locally quarried Limestone to strengthen the fortification.
In 1146 Gerald of Wales, the great 12th-century scholar known as Geraldus Cambrensis was born at the castle. He was the fourth and youngest son of William de Barri, who was related on his mother's side, to the legendary Welsh princess Nest ferch Rhys. Gerald wrote of his birthplace:
"In all the broad lands of Wales, Manorbier is the most pleasant place by far."
Key dates
- 1880However, in 1880 the castle was partially restored by J.R.Cobb, a tenant who carried out repairs to the buildings and walls.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
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