Ogmore Castle

Bridgend, United Kingdom

Ogmore Castle construction might have begun in 1106. It was in use until the 19th century for a range of purposes, including a court of justice and a prison, but is now a substantial set of remains and a local landmark.

The earthworks were steeply banked and oval in shape, enclosing an area of 50 m in length by 35 m in width. The inner ward was flat and constructed of timber structures. After completion of the ringwork, the building material was stone. The windows were round-headed with Sutton stone ashlar. The first-floor great hall had an ornate fireplace.

William's son Maurice is credited with building the oblong keep; it is perhaps the oldest Norman keep in Glamorgan. Situated north of the main gateway, the keep was the first masonry building and was probably built in the 1120s. It is both the castle's tallest surviving building, and one of the oldest buildings in South Wales. Though only three of the original walls survive, their structure is characterized by irregularly shaped field stones, glacial pebbles, Lias limestone slabs, and brown mortar. Thomas de Londres replaced a timber palisade with a stone wall in around 1200.

In the early 13th century, a second storey was added that housed private apartments. Garderobes were featured on two levels and a latrine tower was part of the exterior. A well-preserved lime kiln was built over an indeterminate 13th-century structure. Subsequently, a courthouse dating to the 14th century and rebuilt in the mid-15th century, was probably the third building to occupy the same spot. The building was rectangular in shape with a simple doorway and was flanked by two chambers. Having sustained damage during Owain Glyndŵr's revolt, a new courthouse, situated in the castle's outer bailey, was built in 1454 and was in use until at least 1631.

The present-day castle remains consist of the keep and some outer walls.

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Details

Founded: 1106
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Chris Gallon (2 years ago)
We were staying in a campsite in Porthcawl and saw this on the map and paid a visit, so glad that we did. What a lovely spot, the castle, the river, the walk to the dunes, the stepping stones and the horses. On a good day just great.
David Hanley (2 years ago)
Not a lot of the castle left but enough to let your imagination run riot. In a really beautiful location next to a sparkling river, horseriding stables alongside with a river to trot across and sandhills to explore, well worth a visit also a great pub opposite with lovely food
James Townsend (2 years ago)
Free entry and a small free car park. Old ruins to explore and a nice tidal river to paddle in.. you can even go on a horse ride at the stables down the road.. Great place to unwind for a couple of hours
Adithya Krishnan (2 years ago)
Ogmore Castle is a must-see destination for anyone visiting South Wales. The castle ruins are beautifully preserved and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It's a perfect spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll, and the nearby beach is an added bonus. The castle's history is fascinating and the signage provides great insights into its past. Highly recommended for history buffs and anyone who appreciates the beauty of ancient architecture.
Funki Pickle (3 years ago)
Lovely castle to explore and also a great place to sit and watch people horse riding and people walking across the stepping stones, or in our case when we were there, some idiot in a range rover ? Parking can get very busy at times. Great starting point to take a walk around the area/dunes.
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