Europe · United Kingdom
Grosmont Castle
The story
History of Grosmont Castle
Grosmont Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Grosmont, Monmouthshire, Wales. The fortification was established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066, to protect the route from Wales to Hereford.
United Kingdom
- Built
- 1066
- Era
- Medieval
- Country
- United Kingdom
- UNESCO
- —
- Coordinates
- 51.915, -2.866
In depth
The fuller history
King John gave the castle to a powerful royal official, Hubert de Burgh, in 1201. During the course of the next few decades it passed back and forth between several owners, including Hubert, the rival De Braose family, and the Crown. Hubert rebuilt the castle in stone, beginning with a new hall and then, on regaining the property in 1219, adding a curtain wall, gatehouse and mural towers.
Edward I's conquest of Wales in 1282 removed much of Grosmont Castle's military utility, although it was besieged in 1405 during the Glyndŵr Rising. By the 16th century it had fallen into disuse and ruin. The castle was placed into the care of the state in 1922, and is now managed by the Cadw Welsh heritage agency.
Key dates
- 1066Grosmont Castle was built following the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
- 1207King John subsequently fell out with William and dispossessed him of his lands in 1207, but De Braose's son, also called William, took the opportunity of the chaos during the First Barons' War to retake the castles.
- 1219Hubert rebuilt the castle in stone, beginning with a new hall and then, on regaining the property in 1219, adding a curtain wall, gatehouse and mural towers.
- 1262The Welsh threat persisted, and in 1262 the castle was readied in response to Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd's attack on Abergavenny in 1262; commanded by its constable Gilbert Talbot, Grosmont was ordered to be garrisoned…
- 1282Edward I's conquest of Wales in 1282 removed much of Grosmont Castle's military utility, although it was besieged in 1405 during the Glyndŵr Rising.
- 1902In 1902, Henry Somerset, the 9th Duke, sold Grosmont Castle to Sir Joseph Bradney, a soldier and local historian.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
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