Kidwelly Castle

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Kidwelly Castle
Carmarthenshire, Wales
Kidwelly castle whole.JPG
Kidwelly Castle
Shown within Carmarthenshire
Kidwelly Castle is located in Carmarthenshire
Kidwelly Castle
Kidwelly Castle
Coordinates51°44′22″N 4°18′21″W / 51.7394081°N 4.305735°W / 51.7394081; -4.305735Coordinates: 51°44′22″N 4°18′21″W / 51.7394081°N 4.305735°W / 51.7394081; -4.305735
Site information
OwnerCadw
Open to
the public		Yes
ConditionRuined
Site history
Battles/warsRevolt of Owain Glyndŵr
Listed Building – Grade I

Kidwelly Castle (Welsh: Castell Cydweli) is a Norman castle overlooking the River Gwendraeth and the town of Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, Wales. The origin of this surname traces back to when it was spelled Cygweli which means "swan."

Early history[]

The castle dates from a decision in the very early years of the twelfth century to entrust Roger, bishop of Salisbury, as lord of Kidwelly. The castle and adjoining town were built soon after.[1]

History and description[]

Kidwelly Castle, c. 1810.
Plan of Kidwelly Castle

The present remains of the castle date from the early 12th century.[2] Created as a defence against the Welsh, the castle fell to the Welsh several times in the twelfth century. It was captured and razed by Llywelyn the Great in 1231.[3] Later in its history, it was unsuccessfully besieged by forces of Owain Glyndŵr in August 1403 with assistance from soldiers from France and Brittany who captured Kidwelly town. The castle was relieved by a Norman army in September 1403.[4]

The plan of the castle consists of a square inner bailey defended by four round towers, which overlook a semi-circular outer curtain wall on the landward side, with the massive gatehouse next to the river. The river prevents this from being a truly concentric plan, however a jutting tower protects the riverside walls, and the final plan is very strong. The castle is relatively well-preserved, and is managed by Cadw.[2]

The surrounding countryside is reputedly haunted by the headless ghost of Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd, wife of the Welsh prince Gruffydd ap Rhys, who was beheaded in 1136.[5]

In film[]

Kidwelly was used as a location for the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, appearing in the very first scene after the titles.[6]

See also[]

The castle in the 1890s, with the ruins partly overgrown

References[]

  1. ^ Kenyon 2007, p. 4.
  2. ^ a b "Kidwelly Castle". CADW. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  3. ^ Carpenter, David. Struggle for Mastery.
  4. ^ "Timeline: 1403". Owain Glyndŵr. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  5. ^ Ash, Russell (1973). Folklore, Myths and Legends of Britain. Reader's Digest Association Limited. p. 387. ISBN 9780340165973.
  6. ^ "Monty Python and the Holy Grail Filming Locations". British Film Locations. Retrieved 23 April 2016.

Sources[]

Books[]

  • Kenyon, John R. (2007) [1986]. Kidwelly Castle (4th ed.). Cardiff: Cadw. ISBN 978-1-85760-256-2.

External links[]

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