Coity Castle in Glamorgan, Wales, is a Norman castle built by Sir Payn 'the Demon' de Turberville, one of the legendary Twelve Knights of Glamorgan supposed to have conquered Glamorgan under the leadership of Robert FitzHamon (d. 1107), Lord of Gloucester.

The castle began as a late 11th-century ringwork. A rectangular stone keep and the main curtain wall were added by the Normans in the 12th century, under the de Turberville family. The three-storey keep was primarily a defensive structure.

Extensive reworking took place in the 14th century, when a domestic range was attached to the keep by the middle gatehouse. New stone vaults replaced the earlier timber floors. The central octagonal pier for the vaults is still prominent among the castle ruins. An adjoining chapel wing with a tall east window was added to the first floor at the eastern end of the domestic range in the 15th century.

The Gamage family held Coity until the death of John Gamage in 1584. The castle was abandoned around the 17th century. The castle was sold in the 18th century to the Edwins of Llanharry. Through the Edwins, the Coity lordship passed to the Earls of Dunraven.

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Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

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User Reviews

LARA WEAVER (3 years ago)
Limited car parking but never had a problem to park. Kids playground next door. Free entry. No facilities. Good for a little walk round and picnic
Alex Weeks (3 years ago)
Kids absolutely love it here. Little play park then climbing and hiding amongst the structures. Interesting walk around for adults too
Leonard Throsby (3 years ago)
Free to visit castle.
Clive Walkden (3 years ago)
Arrived on the off chance on the way back from holiday and was really impressed. Was a great walk around and the first castle my boys had been to, they were super excited and enjoyed every minute.
They Had A Day (3 years ago)
Perfect for a picnic. Free entry. Good for kids to explore. And it’s a big place. All round a good place to visit. Parking can be limited.
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