Grosmont Castle
Quick Info
Region: Gwent
Built: 1200 (in stone)
In the Care of: CADW
Parking: Street Parking in the Village
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Admission: Free
Postcode: NP7 8EP
Opening Times
10am - 4pm Daily
“An extensive moat is visible as well as much of the castle ruins including the great hall, a small section on the first floor and the infamous great chimney.”
History
This is another of the ‘Three Castles’, it was built by Normans who named it ‘Gros Mont’, meaning ‘Big Hill’. The original timber castle was rebuilt in stone by Hubert De Burgh after he was made custodian of the Welsh Marches in 1201. The Castle was given to Hubert’s young son, Edmund Crouchback, Earl of Lancaster. The castle became a fashionable family home, when King Henry III passed it onto his son Edmund. Edmund did much of the work of turning the fortified castle into a fashionable family home, including the addition of the great chimney for which Grosmont is famous (you can still see it standing in all it’s glory). The castle was continuedly modified until 1405 when it was attacked during Owain Glyndwr’s War of Independence.
What Can You See?
Grosmont is a sweet set of ruins nestled in a small village along the Welsh border. An extensive moat is visible as well as much of the castle ruins including the great hall, a small section on the first floor and the infamous great chimney. Not only are the castle incredibly interesting to walk along, but the grounds of the castle are perfect for picnics, games and frolicking. This is a lesser-known castle, in a quite, tucked away setting that is perfect for an afternoon of outdoor fun.
Accessibility
The castle is a short walk from the village, along a flat, pathed road. It requires walking through a grassed field and moving over cobbled and grass floor throughout the site. Small wheeled wheelchairs may struggle, but this is a lovely little castle for someone who would like to get out but doesn’t enjoy walking long distances.
Sources
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/grosmont-castle
