Europe · United Kingdom · Caerphilly County Borough
Morgraig Castle
The story
History of Morgraig Castle
Morgraig Castle () is a ruined castle, which lies close to the southern borders of the county borough of Caerphilly, overlooking Cardiff in Wales.
United Kingdom · Caerphilly County Borough
- Built
- 13th century
- Era
- Medieval
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Caerphilly County Borough
- UNESCO
- —
- Coordinates
- 51.552, -3.213
In depth
The fuller history
Morgraig Castle () is a ruined castle, which lies close to the southern borders of the county borough of Caerphilly, overlooking Cardiff in Wales. It was built in the 13th century, but there is some debate as to who actually built the castle, either Gilbert de Clare or the Lord of Senghennydd. The castle appears to have never been occupied or completed. It is now a scheduled monument and a Grade II listed building.
Morgraig Castle is located in Caerphilly, on the escarpment of Craig Llanishen, close to the border between the counties of Caerphilly and Cardiff. It was built after 1243, but before 1267.
The castle was first discovered by a group of archaeologists from the Cardiff Museum led by John Ward in the summer of 1895. Ward was aware of stories telling of an ancient British fort and was interested in the particular site because he had seen maps that showed an unusual rectangular shape. Ward oversaw excavations on the site beginning in summer 1903 with excavation financed by Lord Windsor. Ward along with architect J.W. Rodger and historian J.S. Corbett suggested that the castle was built in the 13th century.
Key dates
- 1243It was built after 1243, but before 1267.
- 1257In 1257 the de Clare family lost control in the area when Llywelyn ap Gruffudd destroyed their castle at Llangynwyd.
- 1266At first, de Clare and the Lord of Senghenydd were allied, but in 1266, after the Lord of Senghenydd and Llywelyn ap Gruffudd aligned themselves with Simon de Montfort, Gilbert de Clare arrested the Lord of Senghenydd.
- 1268Gilbert de Clare responded by beginning to construct the larger Caerphilly Castle in 1268.
- 1269The partially completed Caerphilly Castle was burned down in October 1269 by Llewellyn the Last, but construction began again in 1271 and Caerphilly Castle was ultimately completed.
- 1895The castle was first discovered by a group of archaeologists from the Cardiff Museum led by John Ward in the summer of 1895.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
Tips & experiences
Been here? Leave a note for the next visitor.
Loading tips…