White Castle 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 comprised three large earthworks with timber defences. In 1135, a major Welsh revolt took place and in response King Stephen brought together White Castle and its sister fortifications of Grosmont and Skenfrith 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. Over the next few decades, it passed back and forth between several owners, as Hubert, the rival de Braose family, and the Crown took control of the property. During this period, White Castle was substantially rebuilt, with stone curtain walls, mural towers and gatehouses. In 1267 it was granted to Edmund, the Earl of Lancaster, and 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 White Castle's military utility, and by the 16th century it had fallen into disuse and ruin.

The castle is made up of a central inner ward, a crescent-shaped hornwork to the south, and an outer ward to the north, with its stonework constructed from red sandstone. The outer ward was originally much larger, extending around the castle further to the east, but only limited traces of these earthworks survive. It is now entered from the north-east although, prior to the 13th century, the castle 's entrance was originally on the south side. The historian Paul Remfry considers the castle to be 'a masterpiece of military engineering' for the period.

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Founded: c. 1067
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

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4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Hannah Weaver (7 months ago)
We visited all three Castles this being our first. This castle is beautiful with an abundance of space either in the outer ward or inner ward for picnics. Dog friendly. The space for parking is very small. There is a small contribution/honesty box type thing. It was £3 when we visited. You just scan your card.
Sam Moses (9 months ago)
Beautiful traditional castle with moat and drawbridge. Plenty of informative plaques around telling you all about the castle's history. Several walks to follow around the area. Dogs on leads allowed. Small car park and free entry. Lovely place to visit on a summer's day.
Maria M. (9 months ago)
Absolutely fabulous treasure of a place in the middle of nowhere. I wish the WiFi donation would have been active, because £3 to preserve the place it's nothing. But we were really amazed!! Loved White Castle. ??
Thomas Berwick (12 months ago)
A very impressive castle, that I've never heard of it. Well worth a visit to see, along with the neighbouring two castles. It is just by a hamlet and nothing else, might explain why we were the only ones there
charlie Dool (12 months ago)
Lovely warm day to visit White Castle. Pram friendly, so this worked out very well for us. Short to walk around, but we spent some time enjoying the weather and looking at the ruins.
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