Castell Dolforwyn

Heritage Site in Montgomeryshire

Wales

Castell Dolforwyn

Track near Dolforwyn Castle A public footpath follows this track, connecting a small car park with Dolforwyn Castle. — Track near Dolforwyn Castle Credit: Mat Fascione

Castell Dolforwyn is a historic heritage site located in Montgomeryshire, Wales. It is an impressive medieval castle that stands proudly on a hilltop overlooking the scenic Severn Valley. Built in the late 13th century by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales, it served as a strategic stronghold during the Welsh struggles for independence against English rule.

The castle is a relatively small structure, yet its strategic location provides commanding views of the surrounding countryside. It was designed with defensive purposes in mind, featuring a rectangular shape with strong curtain walls and round towers at each corner. The main entrance is protected by a formidable gatehouse, which has a drawbridge and a portcullis.

Despite its military significance, Castell Dolforwyn was only occupied for a relatively short period of time. Following the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, it fell into disuse and was abandoned by the 15th century. Today, the site is maintained by Cadw, the Welsh government's historic environment service, and is open to the public.

Visitors to Castell Dolforwyn can explore the ruins of the castle and gain insights into the medieval history of the region. Interpretative panels provide information on the castle's construction, its role in Welsh history, and the daily life of its inhabitants. The site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Welsh countryside, making it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Castell Dolforwyn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.5464/-3.2525 or Grid Reference SO1595. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track near Dolforwyn Castle A public footpath follows this track, connecting a small car park with Dolforwyn Castle.

Track near Dolforwyn Castle

A public footpath follows this track, connecting a small car park with Dolforwyn Castle.

View across the River Severn valley

View across the River Severn valley

Sheep near Dolforwyn Castle

Sheep near Dolforwyn Castle

Path leading to Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Path leading to Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

The ruins of Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

The ruins of Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

The ruins of Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

The ruins of Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Information board at Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Information board at Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Inside the ruins of Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Inside the ruins of Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

The ruins of Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

The ruins of Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Inside the ruins of Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Inside the ruins of Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Former storeroom at Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Former storeroom at Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

View southeast from Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

View southeast from Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Earthworks at Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Earthworks at Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Ruined round tower at Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Ruined round tower at Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Well at Dolforwyn Castle Lord Mortimer had this well built in about 1277, it was dug through 6.5 metres (21 feet) of solid rock.

Well at Dolforwyn Castle

Lord Mortimer had this well built in about 1277, it was dug through 6.5 metres (21 feet) of solid rock.

Modern stairs at Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Modern stairs at Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Walls and earthworks at Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Walls and earthworks at Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Former guardroom at Dolforwyn Castle Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley.
Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water.
The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin.
The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

Former guardroom at Dolforwyn Castle

Dolforwyn Castle was built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273, it is sited on a wooded ridge overlooking the upper Severn Valley. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn Castle in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle fell because a well had not been constructed and the occupants ran out of water. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into ruin. The Welsh Ancient Monuments Board (now Cadw) acquired the site in 1955, it was excavated between 1981 and 2002. The castle is now open to the public.

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Castell Dolforwyn is located at Grid Ref: SO1595 (Lat: 52.5464, Lng: -3.2525)

Unitary Authority: Powys

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

Also known as: Dolforwyn Castle

What 3 Words

///dock.insurance.shepherds. Near Newtown, Powys

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Castell Dolforwyn Ffridd Dolforwyn Dôl-forwyn Wells, New Dolforwyn Castle

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.5464,-3.2525

Barrier: stile

Lat/Long: 52.5474685/-3.251098

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5497348/-3.2547644

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5498389/-3.2535221

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5500859/-3.2512206

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5482089/-3.2460911

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.546909/-3.2481283

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5462728/-3.2488829

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5477441/-3.2471599

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5458258/-3.2494302

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5456761/-3.2485882

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5459873/-3.25035

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5452073/-3.2505185

Power: pole

Lat/Long: 52.5445944/-3.2515962

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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