Abergavenny Castle
Quick Info
Region: Monmouthshire
Built: 1087 by Norman Lord Hamelin De Balun
In the Care of: n/a
Parking: Public Parking Nearby
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes*
Dogs Allowed: No
Admission: Free entry
Post Code: NP7 5EE
Opening/Closing Times
10am - 4pm
“Although many castles of Wales have their own unique and intriguing history, Abergavenny Castle in particular has many tales of deceit and treachery which are testament to the time.”
History
Founded in 1087 by Norman Lord Hamelin De Balun. The stronghold started as a Motte, summitted by a wooden keep, and protected by a wooden bailey.
Around 1100 the castle was rebuilt in stone and the great hall was built alongside it. Much of this is what can be seen today. In the 1160s the Lord of the castle was murdered by native Welsh ruler Seisyll ap Dyfnwal. Which meant that the castle fell into the hands of William De Braose.
William De Braose has gone down in history as a one of the most cruel and hated Norman Lords. The Christmas Day Massacre that took place at Abergavenny Castle in 1175 is but one example of this man’s notorious wickedness; Seisyll ap Dyfnwal was a Welsh rival of William De Braose, having murdered his uncle some years earlier. Christmas was a season of forgiveness and friendship in Wales and it was under this guise of reconciliation that Seisyll ap Dyfnwal and his eldest son Geoffrey were invited to Abergavenny castle for a feast and to form an alliance with the Normans. Upon arrival to show good faith and intent of alliance, the Welsh guests left all their weapons at the door. It was after this that the Welsh were set upon and slaughtered in the castle’s great hall by the Normans. Not only that, but whilst Seisyll ap Dyfnwal and his son were being murdered in cold blood, William De Braose’s men rode out to slaughter his seven year old son and captured his wife.
The large stone gateway that you walk through to enter the castle grounds are an early 15th century addition, added to defend the castle during the Glyndwr uprising. The castle was attacked during the early 15th century during the Glyndwr rising, but it was not captured, only the town was sieged. The keep that stood on top of the motte was destroyed during the Civil War 1645-46.
What Can You See?
Today as you walk through the ancient stone gates, the castle grounds open up in front of you hosting a large grassy area with picnic tables enclosed by curtain walls and castle ruins. There are substantial ruins where you can see the remains of the great hall, and the outline of the story above. There is also a stone polygonal tower with low cobbled floors that would once have been the cellar, although only the outer wall remains, you can see that that this tower would have spanned four stories! The remnants or doorways and winding stone steps remain.
There is a museum on site dedicated to all eras of local history. Built in 1959, you can find it on top of a Norman motte within the grounds of Abergavenny Castle. It is definitely worth a visit - and it’s completely free!
Accessibility
The castle is a flat walk from a public car park. The walk through the castle grounds is quite flat, but the path up to the museum is very steep, so it is recommended that at least one able bodied person is available to assist. The grounds of the castle are uneven, and as with many historical sites it is difficult to access some areas. Guide dogs are welcome and museum staff can assist with opening doors.
Sources
https://www.monlife.co.uk/heritage/abergavenny-museum-castle/
