Grosmont Castle, Abergavenny, United Kingdom

Grosmont Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Grosmont. The fortification was established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066, to protect the route from Wales to Hereford. Possibly commissioned by William fitz Osbern, the Earl of Hereford, it was originally an earthwork design with timber defences. In 1135, a major Welsh revolt took place, and in response King Stephen brought together Grosmont Castle and its sister fortifications of Skenfrith and White Castle to form a lordship known as the 'Three Castles', which continued to play a role in defending the region from Welsh attack for several centuries.

King John gave the castle to a powerful royal official, Hubert de Burgh, in 1201. During the course of the next few decades it passed back and forth between several owners, including Hubert, the rival de Braose family, and the Crown. Hubert rebuilt the castle in stone, beginning with a new hall and then, on regaining the property in 1219, adding a curtain wall, gatehouse and mural towers. In 1233, a royal army camped outside the castle was attacked by rebel forces under the command of Richard Marshall. Edmund, the Earl of Lancaster, gained possession of the castle in 1267, and it remained in the hands of the earldom and later duchy of Lancaster until 1825.

Edward I's conquest of Wales in 1282 removed much of Grosmont Castle's military utility, although it was besieged in 1405 during the Glyndŵr Rising. By the 16th century it had fallen into disuse and ruin. The castle was placed into the care of the state in 1922, and is now managed by the Cadw Welsh heritage agency.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

linzilu2888 (5 months ago)
Out of the 3 castles this is my favourite.. well maintened. Lovely pub the angel up the road . Perfect for a picnic and they now have benches since I last visited. Parking is the only issue but the village is stunning. Perfect place to propose!

Catherine Smith (6 months ago)
One of the 3 Castles close to Abergavenny. Free entry. Parking in the village is limited then a short walk up a path and through a gate and across the bridge to the castle. No facilities on site except picnic tables. Beautiful castle with lovely views and well worth the visit. We did all 3. There are toilets in the village a pub and a small post office/shop. We went on a Monday and shop and pub were closed.

Hannah Weaver (7 months ago)
We've visited all Three Castles. Grosmont being the 3rd & our favourite. We parked in the most beautiful friendly village and walked up a very small distance towards the castle. Dog friendly with plenty of space for picnics.

Lisa Jay Jenkins (8 months ago)
Enjoyed a visit to Grosmont Castle with my daughters aged 2 and 6. There is not a great deal there as it is a ruin but it is set in a beautiful location. One staircase is accessible which at the top gives wonderful views of the village and surrounding mountains. There is a grass and picnic area just outside the castle gate where you can rest. No facilities at the castle itself and it's free to enter. It is situated right in the village of Grosmont, parking is on the main road through the village, we were able to park right next to the path up to the castle. It is quite a hidden path though it is sign posted. You will find it right opposite the local shop and post office. The shop is handy for picking up some picnic supplies. There is a fascinating church you can visit in the village also.

Thomas Berwick (12 months ago)
The smallest of three castles, but still worth a visit. It's easy to miss the turn in the village, but it's opposite the post office. There is some space and you can park on the road, which does have residents living there.

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