Hen Castell

Hen Castell is a medieval, moated fortification near the village of Llangattock, Crickhowell. “Hen Castell” means “Old Castle” in Welsh. The name could apply to pretty much any of the castles we’ve ever visited, but in this case also indicates how little we know about the site and its origins. Cadw, the Welsh historical society, investigated the site and calls it “the remains of a well-preserved medieval moated homestead.” At one time it is likely the mound, which is about three meters high, was rectangular, and it is surrounded by a flat-bottomed ditch. The land on which it stood was generally considered part of the domain of the nearby castle at Crickhowell, which would have been visible from the site when it was a complete fortification. Crickhowell was controlled by a succession of Norman lords, including the Tubervilles, the Mortimers, Read more…

Crickhowell Castle

“Crickhowell Castle, also known as Alisby’s castle, is a conspicuous feature of the small market town and occupies a vantage point with commanding views along the Usk valley. It began life as a motte and bailey with timber buildings, probably built by the Turberville family in the 12th century. In 1272 it was rebuilt in stone, still to the basic plan, by Sir Grimbald Pauncefote, who married Sybil, a Turberville heiress.”  http://www.castlewales.com/crickhwl.html “The castle as you enter the town from the east can be seen from the A40 road, which is on the route of an old Roman road from London to Fishguard. Alisby, who was a knight serving Roger Mortimer (a Norman), once held the castle in its early days and the castle is named Alisby Castle after him. The Turbervilles held the castle in the 13th Century, but Read more…