Carmarthen Castle

Carmarthen Castle, located in the heart of Carmarthen town in southwest Wales, has stood as a symbol of power for centuries. Originally built during the Norman invasion, it played a key role in Welsh-English conflicts. Though much of the castle is in ruins today, its history and architecture continue to captivate visitors.

This blog explores the fascinating history, architecture, notable figures, and activities that make Carmarthen Castle a must-visit destination.

The History of Carmarthen Castle

Carmarthen Castle holds a significant place in Welsh and Norman history. Its story spans nearly 1,000 years, reflecting the power struggles and transformations of the region. From its construction during the Norman conquest to its eventual role as a civic center, the castle has witnessed pivotal moments in Wales’s past.

The Norman Origins (Late 11th–12th Century)

Carmarthen Castle was established shortly after the Norman invasion of Wales. William FitzBaldwin, a Norman lord, is credited with its initial construction around 1105. The castle served as a strategic base for asserting Norman dominance over southwest Wales.

Its location near the River Tywi offered natural defenses and control over key trade routes. The Normans built the castle as a motte-and-bailey structure, a common design for their early fortifications.

Welsh resistance against Norman occupation led to frequent attacks. In the 12th century, the wooden fortifications were replaced with stone, significantly strengthening the castle’s defenses.

Llywelyn the Great’s Campaign (1215)

In 1215, Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great), one of the most powerful Welsh princes, launched a successful attack on Carmarthen Castle. This assault was part of his larger campaign to challenge Norman and English control over Welsh territories.

Llywelyn’s forces captured the castle and demolished significant portions of its structure. This marked one of the most critical moments in the castle’s history, symbolizing the enduring resistance of the Welsh people.

However, the English Crown soon regained control of the site. The castle was rebuilt and further fortified to withstand future attacks.

The Edwardian Era and Administrative Role (13th–14th Century)

During Edward I’s reign, Carmarthen Castle became an administrative center for English governance in Wales. It served as the seat of the sheriff and hosted judicial functions, reinforcing its importance as both a military and political hub.

The castle underwent additional renovations, including the construction of a new gatehouse and towers. These enhancements reflected its growing role in maintaining English authority in the region.

The Glyndŵr Rebellion (15th Century)

Carmarthen Castle faced renewed challenges during the Glyndŵr Rebellion in the early 15th century. Owain Glyndŵr, a Welsh nobleman and leader of a widespread uprising, targeted English strongholds across Wales.

The castle endured attacks but ultimately remained under English control. This period highlighted the continued tension between the Welsh population and their English rulers.

The Civil War and Decline (17th Century)

Carmarthen Castle played a role in the English Civil War (1642–1651), a conflict between Royalist and Parliamentary forces. The castle became a Royalist stronghold, but its strategic importance made it a target for Parliamentary forces.

The castle suffered significant damage during the war, with parts of its structure destroyed in the fighting. After the war, it was left in a ruined state, reflecting its diminished military relevance.

Civic Transformation (18th–19th Century)

By the 18th century, Carmarthen Castle’s military role had ended. Instead, the site was repurposed for civic use. A courthouse and jail were constructed on the castle grounds, integrating the ruins into the town’s infrastructure.

The courthouse, completed in 1789, served as a center for legal proceedings, while the jail housed prisoners until the 1930s. These additions altered the castle’s layout but preserved its historical significance.

Preservation and Modern Use (20th–21st Century)

In the 20th century, efforts to preserve Carmarthen Castle began. Local authorities and heritage organizations worked to maintain the ruins and highlight their historical importance.

Today, the castle is managed as a public heritage site. Visitors can explore the remaining structures, including the gatehouse and sections of the curtain wall. Interpretive displays provide insights into the castle’s rich history and its role in shaping Carmarthen’s identity.

The Architecture of Carmarthen Castle

Carmarthen Castle’s architecture reflects its transformation over centuries, evolving from a Norman motte-and-bailey design to a stone fortress and later to a civic hub. Each phase of its construction and adaptation offers insights into medieval and post-medieval architectural styles and their functions.

The Early Motte-and-Bailey Design

When William FitzBaldwin constructed Carmarthen Castle in the early 12th century, it followed the typical Norman motte-and-bailey structure.

Motte: The motte, or raised earth mound, was the castle’s central feature. A wooden keep atop the motte provided a vantage point for monitoring the surrounding area.
Bailey: The bailey, an enclosed courtyard at the base of the motte, contained wooden buildings such as barracks, stables, and storage areas.
Defenses: A wooden palisade surrounded the bailey, while a ditch or moat added an extra layer of protection.

This design allowed the Normans to quickly establish a foothold in newly conquered territories.

The Transition to Stone Fortifications (Late 12th–13th Century)

To improve its defenses against Welsh attacks, Carmarthen Castle was rebuilt in stone in the late 12th century.

Curtain Walls: Thick stone walls replaced the wooden palisade, providing stronger protection against sieges. These walls enclosed the bailey and connected to defensive towers.
Gatehouse: The castle’s gatehouse became a central feature, equipped with a portcullis, arrow slits, and murder holes. It served as the main entry point and was heavily fortified.
Towers: Round towers were added to the curtain walls, enhancing the castle’s ability to defend itself from multiple angles. These towers likely contained living quarters for guards and additional storage space.
Keep: A stone keep replaced the original wooden structure on the motte, serving as both a defensive stronghold and a residence for the lord.

The transition to stone not only strengthened the castle but also symbolized Norman dominance in the region.

Medieval Enhancements and Administrative Features (13th–15th Century)

During Edward I’s reign in the late 13th century, Carmarthen Castle underwent further modifications to serve its dual role as a military fortress and administrative center.

Interior Structures: The bailey housed new buildings, including a great hall for gatherings, a chapel for worship, and barracks for soldiers.
Reinforced Gatehouse: The gatehouse was expanded, making it one of the most formidable features of the castle. It was designed to intimidate attackers and impress visitors.
Judicial Spaces: As the castle became an administrative hub, it incorporated spaces for legal proceedings and record-keeping. These additions reflected its importance in English governance.

Impact of the Civil War and Later Decline (17th Century)

During the English Civil War, Carmarthen Castle’s defenses were put to the test. The conflict caused extensive damage to the structure, with portions of the walls and towers destroyed.

Following the war, the castle lost its strategic importance. Its damaged sections were left unrepaired, signaling its decline as a military stronghold.

18th- and 19th-Century Civic Transformations

In the 18th century, Carmarthen Castle transitioned into a civic space. Key architectural changes during this period included:

Courthouse and Jail: A courthouse and jail were constructed on the castle grounds, integrating its ruins into Carmarthen’s civic infrastructure. The jail operated until the 1930s, while the courthouse handled legal cases well into the 20th century.
Partial Demolition: Some sections of the castle walls were removed or repurposed to make way for new buildings. Despite these changes, significant portions of the gatehouse and curtain walls remained intact.

Surviving Features Today

Visitors to Carmarthen Castle can still explore key architectural elements that highlight its historical significance.

Gatehouse: The castle’s gatehouse remains one of its most impressive features. Its robust stone construction and defensive design offer a glimpse into medieval engineering.
Curtain Walls: Sections of the curtain walls, though fragmented, provide insights into the castle’s original layout and defensive strategies.
Motte: The remnants of the motte, though eroded, still stand as a reminder of the castle’s Norman origins.

Notable People Associated with the Castle

Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) (1173–1240)

Llywelyn the Great captured Carmarthen Castle in 1215. His actions marked a critical point in the struggle between the Welsh and the Normans.

Edward I (1239–1307)

King Edward I oversaw the rebuilding of Carmarthen Castle after regaining control. His efforts solidified English power in the region.

Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658)

During the Civil War, Cromwell’s Parliamentary forces targeted Carmarthen Castle. The conflict left much of the structure damaged and unusable.

Things to Do at Carmarthen Castle

Visitors to Carmarthen Castle can enjoy a variety of activities that highlight its history and charm.

Explore the Ruins:

Walk through the remains of the gatehouse and curtain walls. Learn about their construction and role in medieval defense.
Discover the Courthouse:

Visit the 19th-century courthouse, built on the castle grounds. It reflects the site’s transformation over time.
Learn the History:

Interpretive signs and guided tours offer insights into the castle’s role in Welsh and English history.
Visit Carmarthen Town:

Stroll through the nearby town, known for its vibrant market and rich cultural heritage.
Photography:

Capture stunning images of the castle ruins against the backdrop of Carmarthen’s picturesque landscape.

Other Interesting Facts About the Castle

The castle’s location near the River Tywi made it a key strategic site during medieval conflicts.
It served as a prison until the 1930s, with the courthouse handling cases for over a century.
Local legends link the castle to Merlin, the mythical wizard associated with Carmarthen’s folklore.

Carmarthen Castle combines history, architecture, and a central location to create a fascinating destination. Its story spans centuries of conquest, rebellion, and adaptation.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, the castle offers a unique glimpse into Wales’s medieval past. Visit Carmarthen Castle and experience its enduring legacy firsthand.