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Cilgerran Castle
Cardiganshire
Cilgerran's towers rise above the trees in woodland on the rim of a steep gorge of the Teifi Valley. The romantic setting is enhanced by association with the abduction in 1109 of Nest, the Welsh 'Helen of Troy' by the besotted Owain, son of the Prince of Powys - an act which set all Wales aflame.
The castle as it now stands was rebuilt a century later by the powerful Norman baron William Marshall the Younger following a troubled period of capture and recapture from the Welsh in this disputed area.
Surviving features are Marshall's twin round towers and curtain wall, built to defend the castle's weakest side. The outer-facing walls are considerably thicker than those within and only have arrow slits, while inside facing walls have windows. His efforts were in vain for the castle was derelict within 50 years.
In 1377 its fortunes were revived when Edward III ordered its repair to counter a threatened French invasion. It saw action again with the Owain Glyndwr uprising in the early 1400s.
Cilgerran was one of Wales's first tourist attractions, much favoured by visitors who arrived by boat from Cardigan.
Location:
Main roads to Cilgerran from A478 and A484
Further Information:
Telephone: 01239 615007
Admission charge
No dogs
In the care of Cadw: Telephone 029 20 500200
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