Loughor Castle, Loughor, United Kingdom

Loughor Castle is a ruined, medieval fortification built around 1106 by the Anglo-Norman lord Henry de Beaumont, during the Norman invasion of Wales. The site overlooked the River Loughor and controlled a strategic road and ford running across the Gower Peninsula. The castle was designed as an oval ringwork, probably topped by wicker fence defences, and reused the remains of the former Roman fort of Leucarum.

Over the next two centuries, the castle was involved in many conflicts. It was attacked and burnt, probably in the Welsh uprising of 1151, and was captured by the forces of Llywelyn the Great in 1215. John de Braose acquired the castle in 1220 and repaired it, constructing a stone curtain wall to replace the older defences. Attacked again in 1251, the castle was reinforced with a stone tower in the second half of the 13th century. It declined in importance during the late-medieval period, and by the 19th century, the castle was ruinous and overgrown with ivy.

In the 21st century, Loughor Castle is controlled by the Welsh heritage agency Cadw and operated as a tourist attraction. The ruined tower and fragments of the curtain wall still survive on top of the ringwork's earthwork defences, which now resemble a motte, or mound, and are part of the Loughor Castle Park.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Dewi Wingar (14 months ago)
Not the most substantial castle, not worth a significant detour

MGX93dot (16 months ago)
The information board could have done with being beside the ruin, we completely missed it, but maybe that was because we didn't stay one. Nice place to tick off when in the area/passing at most.

Muhammad Haque (2 years ago)
Visited Loughor Castle recently and while it's a bit hidden amidst residential houses, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into Wales' medieval and Roman past. The elevated location allows for some views over the River Loughor, though they're partially obscured by trees now. The site could benefit from better signage and an information board closer to the ruins, as the existing one is poorly located near a bus stop at the bottom of the mound. The term "castle" might be a bit misleading; what you're primarily seeing are the remains of a tower. It's a quick visit but worth it if you're interested in history. The adjacent Parc Williams and nearby Loughor Estuary and Beach make for a nice extended outing. Overall, a small yet meaningful attraction if you're in the area.

Aimee Haynes (3 years ago)
Great little piece of history driving through rural Wales. Worth a quick stop off, great to let the dog run around here and learn a little about local history.

my mini 2 (4 years ago)
Nice small castle. Right on the Loughor estuary!

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