When was Laugharne Castle Built?

The Normans began to invade southwestern Wales at the end of the 11th century when Pembrokeshire was occupied by Roger de Montgomery, the Earl of Shrewsbury. The Earl of Warwick, Henry de Beaumont, conquered the Gower Peninsula. 

The Normans wanted to expand their territory. They strengthened this by building castles in prominent places, including Laugharne. The castle was erected as a relatively small defensive building. It was constructed on the river cliff and overlooked the Taf estuary to the south. The first time it was recorded was in documents dating back to 1116. It was then under the name of Abercofwy. During this time, a native Welshman called Bleddyn ap Cedifor took the invaders' side, and in exchange, he got the administration of Laugharne. 

12th century

There was unrest throughout, with anarchy and skirmishes between the Welsh and the Normans. After King Henry died in 1135, the castle was to remain in the hands of Anglo-Normans. 

After Henry II succeeded the throne, the situation between the Welsh and the Normans improved. The king reached an agreement with the ruler of the Welsh Deheubarth, Rhys ap Gruffydd. 

Between 1171-1172 some of their negotiations took place at Laugharne Castle. However, in 1189 King Henry II died, and the long-awaited agreement collapsed. Rhys ap Gruffydd invaded several English castles in southwest Wales; this included the capture and burning of Laugharne castle. Only the strongholds in Pembroke and Carmarthen resisted his invasions. As a result of the destruction, Laugharne castle was rebuilt in stone in the second half of the 12th century.

13th century 

However, in 1215, Laugharne Castle was attacked by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth; it was burnt. 

It was during the Welsh campaign the Normans were swept from their strongholds in Cardigan and Carmarthen. 

Laugharne Castle, although destroyed, was to remain with the Welsh until in 1223, it was regained by the second Earl of Pembroke, William Marshal.

Just before 1247, Laugharne Castle was passed to Guy de Brian IV. His family had several large estates in the Southwest of England. Guy de Brian IV decided to go to Pembroke to look for new opportunities. Laugharne required a complete reconstruction in the middle of the 13th century. Despite reinforcing the castle, it was not strong enough. The Welsh captured the castle under the leadership and influence of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. When the castle was captured in 1258, Guy de Brian IV was imprisoned.  

Guy paid the ransom and was released from imprisonment. However, his son Guy (Guy de Brian V) was captured during the 1370s Anglo-Welsh war. 

More modifications were made to the castle ruins at the end of the 13th century because of its ease of capture. 

14th century

In 1307, Guy de Brian VI took control of Laugharne Castle and the de Brian family estates. He didn't make any further significant changes to Laugharne Castle. Twenty-three years later, in 1330, Guy VII took over the management from his father, Guy VI. This was likely due to the health problems his father suffered, which were verging on insanity. Guy VII was an ambassador and admiral, and he was a highly trusted servant of King Edward III. He died in 1390. 

Civil War period

Parliament forces took over Laugharne Castle during the English Civil War. It was captured by royalists in 1644. 

During that same year, under the command of General-Major Rowland, parliamentary troops surrounded Laugharne Castle, the commander of the garrison surrendered, when the castle could be held no more, after a week-long of fire and night attacks. 

Since this final attack, the castle has never been rebuilt and lies in ruin. 

18th century

In the 18th century, the new mansion house was constructed. The grounds became part of the 16th century garden of Castle House. 

Part of the castle grounds was altered in the Victorian period to create a picturesque garden. 

When visiting Laugharne Castle, you will find a gift shop, a water refill station, and there is somewhere to purchase light refreshments as well. If you want to take your dog with you during your visit, they are permitted, but they must be kept on a lead.

Carpark: Parking opposite the main castle entrance is limited. The central car park is situated approximately 300 meters below the castle.

Disabled Access: There is the ease of access through the Gatehouse for wheelchair users and buggies and prams. A ramp leads to a level path at the visitors centre, giving access to the site. Unfortunately, however, the only tower that remains accessible is limited to walkers. 

Outer Gatehouse: The Gatehouse is two storeys high and dates back to the thirteenth century. The stone-built Gatehouse likely replaced a less sturdy timber structure. During the siege in 1644, the front of the Gatehouse was destroyed following artillery fire. 

Inner Gatehouse: The Gatehouse was initially built in the late thirteenth century but wholly restyled in the 1580s. The restyle included adding an entrance porch and some large windows. 

Towers: Guy de Brian built the two round towers of the Inner Ward along with the curtain wall in the thirteenth century. The northwest tower served as the Keep. The northeast tower had initially been much smaller, but its height was increased in the sixteenth century.