Castell Ynysgynwraidd

Heritage Site in Monmouthshire

Wales

Castell Ynysgynwraidd

Entrance to Hilston Park
Entrance to Hilston Park Credit: Rob Purvis

Castell Ynysgynwraidd, located in Monmouthshire, Wales, is a historic heritage site that holds significant cultural and architectural importance. The castle, also known as the Island of Gynwraidd Castle, sits on a small island in the River Usk, offering a picturesque and secluded setting.

The origins of Castell Ynysgynwraidd can be traced back to the 12th century when it was originally built as a motte-and-bailey structure. Over the centuries, the castle underwent several expansions and renovations, transforming it into a formidable fortress. The castle's strategic position along the river allowed it to control the surrounding area and serve as a defensive stronghold.

The architecture of Castell Ynysgynwraidd is a mix of Norman and medieval styles. The castle features a towering stone keep, surrounded by sturdy stone walls and a moat. Inside, visitors can explore the remains of the great hall, living quarters, and other structures that once made up the castle complex.

Over time, Castell Ynysgynwraidd fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned. Today, only ruins and remnants of its former grandeur can be seen. Despite its dilapidated state, the castle continues to captivate visitors with its historical significance and scenic location.

Castell Ynysgynwraidd is open to the public, allowing visitors to wander through its grounds and imagine the castle's former glory. The site offers a unique opportunity to experience Wales' rich medieval history and provides a serene and tranquil setting for exploration and reflection.

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Castell Ynysgynwraidd Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.8786/-2.7904 or Grid Reference SO4520. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Entrance to Hilston Park
Entrance to Hilston Park
Houses at Crossway
Houses at Crossway
Earthen field on north side of B4521 Presumably both fields in view have crops planted; they're on the north side of the B4521 west of Skenfrith.
Earthen field on north side of B4521
Presumably both fields in view have crops planted; they're on the north side of the B4521 west of Skenfrith.
Road (B4521) and Bridge at Walson Looking north-eastward.
Road (B4521) and Bridge at Walson
Looking north-eastward.
Apple Orchard These apple trees produce apples that will eventually be used by Bulmers. Though the farm has its own cider shop further down the lane.
Apple Orchard
These apple trees produce apples that will eventually be used by Bulmers. Though the farm has its own cider shop further down the lane.
Grazing and hedgerow, Norton Off the B4347.
Grazing and hedgerow, Norton
Off the B4347.
B4347 towards Crossway Looking south.
B4347 towards Crossway
Looking south.
Smithy Cottage, Crossway On the right side of the cottage, the light-coloured building is Old Smithy Cottage
Smithy Cottage, Crossway
On the right side of the cottage, the light-coloured building is Old Smithy Cottage
Phone box, Skenfrith / Ynysgynwraidd Little used by the look of it.
Phone box, Skenfrith / Ynysgynwraidd
Little used by the look of it.
Cottages at Skenfrith / Ynysgynwraidd View from the churchyard down the village's main street.
Cottages at Skenfrith / Ynysgynwraidd
View from the churchyard down the village's main street.
The Sands near Skenfrith Well-cared for cluster of buildings which straddle the border between Wales and Herefordshire, public paths alongside provide a very rewarding circular walk from Skenfrith
The Sands near Skenfrith
Well-cared for cluster of buildings which straddle the border between Wales and Herefordshire, public paths alongside provide a very rewarding circular walk from Skenfrith
Skenfrith from Coedanghred Hill A steep climb on the first phase of a fine circular walk but rewarded with a seat with a view! Skenfrith's Castle and fortified church take centre-stage, nurseries of the famous Bell Inn in the foreground.
Skenfrith from Coedanghred Hill
A steep climb on the first phase of a fine circular walk but rewarded with a seat with a view! Skenfrith's Castle and fortified church take centre-stage, nurseries of the famous Bell Inn in the foreground.
Returning to Skenfrith Delightful pastoral scene walking by the River Monnow - not long to reach Skenfrith's offer of refreshments
Returning to Skenfrith
Delightful pastoral scene walking by the River Monnow - not long to reach Skenfrith's offer of refreshments
Skenfrith Castle Perched above the River Monnow, and in the care of the National Trust, seen here from the seat on the path on Coed Anghrhed Hill
Skenfrith Castle
Perched above the River Monnow, and in the care of the National Trust, seen here from the seat on the path on Coed Anghrhed Hill
Skenfrith Church Close to the Castle.
Skenfrith Church
Close to the Castle.
Skenfrith Old Vicarage Built in sturdy local sandstone like so much of the village.
Skenfrith Old Vicarage
Built in sturdy local sandstone like so much of the village.
The Sands near Skenfrith Straddles the border between Wales and England, between the River Monnow and Daren Wood on a delightful circular walk from Skenfrith.
The Sands near Skenfrith
Straddles the border between Wales and England, between the River Monnow and Daren Wood on a delightful circular walk from Skenfrith.
Skenfrith Telephone Exchange, Monmouthshire Set back from, and slightly below, the B4521 in NE Monmouthshire. In November 2022 a notice near the camera shows "BT Premises - Unauthorised access is trespass and is not permitted". The text is also in Welsh.
Skenfrith Telephone Exchange, Monmouthshire
Set back from, and slightly below, the B4521 in NE Monmouthshire. In November 2022 a notice near the camera shows "BT Premises - Unauthorised access is trespass and is not permitted". The text is also in Welsh.
Show me another place!

Castell Ynysgynwraidd is located at Grid Ref: SO4520 (Lat: 51.8786, Lng: -2.7904)

Unitary Authority: Monmouthshire

Police Authority: Gwent

Also known as: Skenfrith Castle

What 3 Words

///remaking.lobster.crust. Near Llanrothal, Herefordshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.8786,-2.7904
Skenfrith
Name Cy: Ynysgynwraidd
Place: village
Source: npe
Wikidata: Q7534635
Wikipedia: en:Skenfrith
Lat/Long: 51.8775609/-2.789728
Historic: memorial
Memorial: war_memorial
Lat/Long: 51.8778872/-2.7894934
Bicycle Parking
Capacity: 6
Lat/Long: 51.8783715/-2.7910724
Toilets
Fee: no
Lat/Long: 51.8775791/-2.7889224
Telephone
Booth: K6
Covered: booth
Listed Status: Grade II
Operator: BT
Phone: +44 1600 750253
Lat/Long: 51.8777466/-2.7898099
Post Box
Post Box Design: type_n
Post Box Type: lamp
Ref: NP7 107
Royal Cypher: EIIR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102113
Lat/Long: 51.877854/-2.7899453
Building: yes
Lat/Long: 51.8812121/-2.789099
Shelter
Lat/Long: 51.877862/-2.7898596
Parking
Layby
Lat/Long: 51.8786824/-2.7876695
Barrier: stile
Bicycle: no
Foot: yes
Horse: no
Motor Vehicle: no
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 51.8792971/-2.785686
Direction: 145
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 6
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.8779935/-2.7909535
Direction: WSW
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 6
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.8782358/-2.7911838
Direction: SSW
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 4
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.8782424/-2.7912462
Direction: 145
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 16
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.8790244/-2.7926758
Direction: 145
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 8
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.8789884/-2.7927496
Direction: 145
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 8
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.8789515/-2.7928354
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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