Dinefwr Castle

Llandeilo, United Kingdom

Dinefwr Castle lies on a ridge on the northern bank of the Tywi, with a steep drop of one hundred feet to the river. Dinefwr was the chief seat of the Kingdom of Deheubarth.

The present castle is entered via a fortified entrance protected by a restored length of battlement. The short path from the car park gives an extensive view of the Towy valley. The door admits the visitor to the main space enclosed by the walls, from which there are several stairs to the main battlements and towers. A narrow spiral staircase leads to a high tower, which gives extensive views of the deer park to the north and the Tywi valley to the south and west. The castle keep is entered via the cellar at its base, but access to the circular walkway at the top can only be made via the battlement walk. Details such as the well and several garderobes are visible in the structure. There is a path around the base of the main structure to the north.

History

Tradition relates that a castle was first constructed on this site by Rhodri the Great, but no archaeological remains have been dated from this period. Dinefwr later became the chief seat of Rhodri's grandson Hywel Dda, first ruler of Deheubarth and later king of most of Wales. Rhys ap Gruffydd, ruler of Deheubarth from 1155 to 1197, is thought to have rebuilt the castle. Giraldus Cambrensis tells a story about a plan by King Henry II of England to assault the castle during a campaign against Rhys. One of Henry's most trusted followers was sent on reconnaissance, guided by a local Welsh cleric, who was asked to lead him to the castle by the easiest route, but instead took the most difficult route he could find, ending the performance by stopping to eat grass with the explanation that this was the diet of the local people in times of hardship. The planned attack was duly abandoned.

Rhys ap Gruffydd also built the spectacular castle at Carreg Cennen, about four miles away to the south. It is not visible from Dynefwr, but Dryslwyn Castle can just be seen on a hill blocking the Tywi valley to the south-west. Rhys also founded two religious houses during this period. Talley Abbey was the first Premonstratensian abbey in Wales, while Llanllyr was a Cistercian nunnery, only the second nunnery to be founded in Wales and the first to prosper.

On Rhys ap Gruffydd's death the castle passed to his son Rhys Gryg, and the earliest parts of the present castle are thought to derive from this period. Llywelyn the Great of Gwynedd was now extending his influence to this area, and Rhys, finding himself unable to resist, dismantled the castle. Llywelyn however had it restored and held it until his death in 1240. In 1255 Llywelyn the Last gave Dinefwr to Rhys Fychan, then later gave it to Maredudd ap Rhys before later returning it to Rhys Fychan. Maredudd now allied himself to King Edward I of England, and his son Rhys ap Maredudd helped Edward capture Dinefwr in 1277. This Rhys had apparently been promised Dinefwr in return for his help, but Edward did not keep his promise and had Rhys executed in 1291.

The castle now came into English hands, though it is recorded to have been burnt during the rebellion of Llywelyn Bren in 1316. In 1317 it was given to Hugh Despenser, the king's favourite. It was unsuccessfully besieged by the forces of Owain Glyndŵr in 1403. Towards the end of the 15th century the castle was held by Sir Rhys ap Thomas, who carried out extensive rebuilding. In 1531 his grandson Rhys ap Gruffydd was executed for treason and the castle was confiscated by the crown, though the family were later able to recover it. In 1660 Newton House was built nearby and the castle keep modified as a summer house. The remains of the large windows can be seen at the top of the keep, but it burned down in the 18th century. The castle is now owned by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and managed by CADW on their behalf.

Public access

Visitors who wish to see the castle and are driving there, may park in the town and walk up to the Castle using the free Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales access route. If visitors walk or park in the National Trust site and are not National Trust, Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales or Cadw members there is a site entrance charge. There is a small free car park near the castle for disabled badge holders, but it can only be reached by a rough track through a field. Permission can be gained at the National Trust office to drive over the field up to the castle, weather and conditions permitting.

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Address

Llandeilo, United Kingdom
See all sites in Llandeilo

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Barbora Šebestová (7 months ago)
Loved it there, amazing views and nice walk around the woods. Also visited the NT House in the park, well worth a visit! Just be prepared for quite a steep climb uphill to the castle.
Kenneth Moyse (7 months ago)
Nice day out house and castle ruins, the house is interesting and has a lovely garden to rest in overlooking the deer park. Also in the grounds is the ruins of Dinefwr Castle, but a bit of a steep walk to see it, but you are rewarded by the lovely views. You can walk through the deer park if you wish to.
Chris Brierley (8 months ago)
Two visits in one! There is a ruined castle (Dinefwr) and a stately home, Newton House. We enjoyed exploring the rooms across three floors. My top tip is don’t miss the basement! I didn’t find the it to be that clearly signposted, but we found it the most interesting part of the visit with some original servants working quarters. Added real character to the visit, a must see.
Chris Gallon (8 months ago)
Free to visit, the walk runs from the NT car park but there are other routes. The signage says no dogs inside but those signs were only visible after we had climbed up to the castle and everyone seemed to ignore the prohibition. Great views, some impressive battlements and well worth the trek. The staff at the NT car park were also lovely.
Jonathan Conway (8 months ago)
A beautiful ruin in the heart of stunning countryside and ancient woodland. A wonderful walk takes you up to the castle. Situated at a brilliant strategic point, it gives stunning views in all directions. The walk wasn't challenging, but the incline and path surface may be difficult for some. There are no toilets at the castle itself, though some can be found at Newton House (National Trust). Dogs are fine ok to walk there, but there are grazing animals and deer in some of the surrounding parkland, so some areas may not welcome dogs and others will require them to be on leads. Well worth a visit.
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