Kidwelly Castle

South Wales

27 Nov

Quick Info

Region: Pembrokshire
Built: Early 1200s
In the Care of: CADW
Parking: Large free carpark
Wheelchair Accessible: See CADW’s accessibility guide
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Admission: Paid Access
Postcode: SA17 5BQ

Opening Times

Season Dependant

“Kidwelly castle was a formidable structure in it’s day and a lot of it still stands. There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained from the drawbridge to the chapel remains to the views across the river Gwendraeth.”

— Castle Crawl Cymru

History

This castle originated as a Norman wooden ringwork. This formidable stronghold was constant attack by the Welsh and was captured many times, including by the Gruffydd ap Rhys. The castle was infamously lost however, when Gruffydd ap Rhys travelled up to North Wales to meet with Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd (his father in law) to plan a revolt against the Norman invaders. Meanwhile, the Normans had advanced to Kidwelly in his absence.

Gruffydd’s wife, Princess Gwenllian, was left to defend the castle and had been advised that Norman troop ships were heading up the Glamorgan coast. She had to act quickly, so she immediately began rallying an army. However, due to the short notice, the army she was able to gather was small and ill-equipped.

**An artists impression of Gwenllian Ferch Gruffydd**

“Gwenllian decided that the best tactic would be to launch another guerilla style campaign against the Normans. This would buy her time until her husband could return.

Gwenllian decided to divide her troops. She sent some of them to attack the Norman ships, under the watchful eye of a fellow Welsh chieftain, Gruffydd ap Llewellyn. The rest of her men stayed hidden in the woods just north of Kidwelly Castle where they could cut off Maurice’s supply chain.

Sadly for Gwenllian, she was about to become the victim of a most treacherous deed, when she was betrayed by Gruffydd ap Llewellyn who revealed her position. Her fate was sealed.

Despite her small army, she would still have had the element of surprise to help her, but because of Gruffydd ap Llewellyn’s treachery and deceit, this was no longer the case.

Gwenllian and her two eldest sons readied for battle. Gwenllian led her army out of the forest to attack Maurice at Kidwelly Castle. However her small force was routed and during the battle she fell from her horse. In the chaos, her eldest son Morgan attempted to protect his mother but tragically died in the process.

Meanwhile, her other son Maelgwyn watched on in horror as his mother was captured and then beheaded on the battlefield. With one son dead, another captured and Princess Gwenllian slain in cold blood, news of this tragic battle spread quickly.

Gwenllian’s death as leader of the “patriotic revolt” was to have cataclysmic repercussions and inevitably contribute to the Great Revolt of 1136, with the Welsh vowing to seek revenge for her tragic death.

Meanwhile upon hearing the news, Gwenllian’s brothers, her husband and her father retaliated and took on the enemy. Eventually the Prince of Deheubarth was able to reclaim his rightful land and power whilst his youngest son with Gwenllian became Lord Rhys, an important and famous Welsh ruler who went on to make his mark.

Only a year after her execution on the battlefield, her husband Gruffydd passed away, with many claiming that he died of a broken heart. Gwenllian’s legacy would continue to live on in the battle cry of Welsh soldiers: “Revenge for Gwenllian”.

Historic UK

Gwenllian is an important figure in Welsh History, her death having a lasting impact upon the nation. Inspiring bards to write poems and songs revering her leadership and bravery and to the 21st century where we still remember her and what she stood for.

By the 1280s the Normans were back in charge and it was owned powerful Marcher Lords, the Chaworth Brothers. These brothers built the stone castle that stands today.

What Can You See?

Kidwelly castle was a formidable structure in it’s day and a lot of it still stands. There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained from the drawbridge to the chapel remains to the views across the river Gwendraeth.