Castell Trefaldwyn

Heritage Site in Montgomeryshire

Wales

Castell Trefaldwyn

Towards the castle, from Ffridd Faldwyn, Trefaldwyn/Montgomery Credit: Mike Parker

Castell Trefaldwyn, also known as Montgomery Castle, is a historic heritage site located in Montgomeryshire, Wales. It is situated on a hilltop overlooking the town of Montgomery. The castle dates back to the 13th century and was originally built by Roger de Montgomery, a Norman lord.

The castle consists of a large stone keep, surrounded by a curtain wall and several towers. The keep, which is the central structure of the castle, stands three stories high and features a well-preserved gatehouse. The curtain wall, reinforced by four round towers, encloses a courtyard and provides a defensive fortification.

Throughout its history, Castell Trefaldwyn has witnessed several conflicts and sieges. It played a significant role during the Welsh Wars of Independence in the 13th century and the English Civil War in the 17th century. The castle was heavily damaged during the latter conflict and was subsequently abandoned.

Today, Castell Trefaldwyn is a popular tourist attraction and managed by Cadw, the Welsh historic environment service. Visitors can explore the castle ruins, climb the keep for panoramic views, and learn about its fascinating history through informational displays. The site also hosts various events and reenactments, bringing the medieval past to life.

Castell Trefaldwyn is not only a magnificent example of medieval architecture but also a testament to the rich history of Montgomeryshire and its strategic importance in the border region between England and Wales.

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Castell Trefaldwyn Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.5632/-3.1501 or Grid Reference SO2296. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Towards the castle, from Ffridd Faldwyn, Trefaldwyn/Montgomery

Mike Parker

Across the fields towards Town Hill, Trefaldwyn/Montgomery

From the footpath to Ffridd Faldwyn hill fort. The monument is the Montgomeryshire county war memorial.

Mike Parker

Beech trees on Ffridd Faldwyn

There are many massive beeches on the old hillfort.

Mike Parker

Hen Domen and the Severn valley

View from Ffridd Faldwyn, the Iron Age precursor of Montgomery, towards its Norman successor, the site of the original castle, the wooded mound now known as Hen Domen.

Mike Parker

Lane and level crossing at Rhydwhyman

Rhydwhyman is a corruption of Rhyd Chwima, "the swift ford" (which lies just the position of the photographer, on the River Severn).

Mike Parker

Path to Montgomery Castle

This path leads from the car park to the castle.

Mat Fascione

Path to Montgomery Castle

This path leads from the car park to the castle.

Mat Fascione

St Nicholas Parish Church viewed from Montgomery Castle

The Grade I listed church was founded in the 1220s, with a 19th-century tower.

Mat Fascione

Montgomery Castle from the south

The building of Montgomery Castle commenced in around 1223 on the orders of Henry III in response to the growing power of Welsh native prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great), the stone castle replaced a nearby wooden fort known as Hen Domen. The castle survived attacks by Llywelyn in 1228 and 1231 and Llywelyn’s son Dafydd in 1245. During the English Civil War it fell to the Parliamentarians and was demolished in 1649. The site is owned by Cadw and is free to visit.

Mat Fascione