Kidwelly Castle is a Norman fortress that commands a view over the River Gw

Heritage Places, Castles & Architecture

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28-May-2026 09 pm

Kidwelly Castle is a Norman fortress that commands a view over the River Gwendraeth and the town of Kidwelly, located in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The existing remnants of the castle can be traced back to the early twelfth century. Originally constructed as a defensive structure against the Welsh, the castle was captured by Welsh forces multiple times during the twelfth century. The countryside that encircles the area is said to be haunted by the headless apparition of Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd, the spouse of the Welsh prince Gruffydd ap Rhys, who met his demise by beheading in the year 1136. Kidwelly Castle served as a filming location for the 1975 movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail, featuring prominently in the initial scene following the opening credits. The establishment of the castle stemmed from a decision made in the early years of the twelfth century to appoint Roger, the bishop of Salisbury, as the lord of Kidwelly. Subsequently, the castle and the adjacent town were constructed. In 1159, the Prince of Wales, known later as Lord Rhys, seized control of Kidwelly Castle and was acknowledged by King Henry II of England as the sovereign of the area. Following his death, the castle came under the control of the Anglo-Normans. In 1231, it was taken and destroyed by Llywelyn the Great. The architectural layout of the castle features a square inner bailey fortified by four round towers, which overlook a semi-circular outer curtain wall on the landward side, complemented by a substantial gatehouse adjacent to the river. The defensive measures implemented at Kidwelly were not as comprehensive as those observed in other prominent Welsh castles of the era, with the builders primarily concentrating on the robustness of the walls and towers. In a later chapter of its history, the castle faced an unsuccessful siege by the forces of Owain Glyndŵr in August 1403, aided by soldiers from France and Brittany who managed to capture the town of Kidwelly. However, the castle was relieved by a Norman army in September 1403. The outer curtain wall of the castle features a staircase built against it, originating from the level of the ward, which is a rare characteristic in English castles of that period. Although the river inhibits a truly concentric design, a protruding tower provides protection for the riverside walls, resulting in a robust overall plan. The castle remains in relatively good condition and is under the management of Cadw. #Castles #History #Architecture

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