The building of a large stone tower surrounded by stone walls on a cliff
overlooking the Wye river to protect an important river crossing was started in
1067. In the early 13th century the castle was extended by the construction of
two baileys to the east and west sides with a gatehouse at each end. At the
end of the century the western end was strengthened and living accomodation
added. The structure is an unusual shape being 650 foot in length but only 150
foot wide. During the second of two seiges during the Civil War the walls were
breeched by cannon fire but this was repaired and the castle was garrisoned
until the end of the 17th century.
At the end of the 13th century a town wall 1200 yards long was added with
towers and a gatehouse. Sections of the walls still stand and the gatehouse,
modified over the years, is still the entrance to the town from the north.
Cadw, open all year.
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| At the southern end of the town. |
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