Raglan castle is a fortress begun in the 15th century by William ap Thomas, a Welsh lord with political acumen. He married two different heiresses in succession, which garnered him great wealth and position within the society of the day. Likely the original construction at Raglan took place in the early 11th century as part of the initial conquest of south Wales by William Fitz Osbern, the Earl of Hereford. If so, little trace remains today except for possible remains of a bailey ditch. The site was occupied as a manor from the twelfth century until William ap Thomas bought it in the 15th and turned it once again into a castle. Raglan has been described as one of the last formidable displays of medieval defensive architecture. much of what survives that was built by William’s son, also named William. Read more…