Europe · United Kingdom · Carmarthenshire
Newcastle Emlyn Castle
The story
History of Newcastle Emlyn Castle
Newcastle Emlyn Castle (Welsh: Castell Newydd Emlyn) is a ruined castle in the market town of Newcastle Emlyn in Carmarthenshire, Wales.
United Kingdom · Carmarthenshire
- Built
- 1240
- Era
- Medieval
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Carmarthenshire
- UNESCO
- —
- Coordinates
- 52.039, -4.463
In depth
The fuller history
The 13th-century castle of Newcastle Emlyn was mentioned in the chronicle Brut y Tywysogion, as having been seized by Llywelyn the Great (Welsh: Llywelyn ap Iorwerth), but this was probably an older structure. The stone building was probably built by Maredudd ap Rhys around 1240, and if this is correct, it is one of the few castles in West Wales to be built by the Welsh out of stone. In 1287, his son Rhys ap Maredudd rebelled against the English and was besieged at Dryslwyn Castle, and when that stronghold eventually fell, fled to Newcastle Emlyn Castle.
Key dates
- 1240The stone building was probably built by Maredudd ap Rhys around 1240, and if this is correct, it is one of the few castles in West Wales to be built by the Welsh out of stone.
- 1287In 1287, his son Rhys ap Maredudd rebelled against the English and was besieged at Dryslwyn Castle, and when that stronghold eventually fell, fled to Newcastle Emlyn Castle.
- 1343He became the owner as part of the estates acquired when he was made Prince of Wales in 1343.
- 1500Latrines on both sides of the gatehouse towers may have been added later, and larger windows were added by Sir Rhys ap Thomas around 1500.
- 1645The castle also played a part in the English Civil War when it changed hands several times and was besieged in 1645 by parliamentary troops.
- 1985While the history of the castle has gained attention from historians, the first accurate plan of the site was not produced until 1985.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
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