THE CASTLE
The time-worn remains of this castle, on a picturesque , grassy site overlooking a loop on the river Teifi, were once inhabited by, amongst others, Sir Rhys ap Thomas, friend of Henry VII. It would be hard to imagine a more serene setting than this, and one is not surprised to find that it was once intended as a county seat rather than as a military post.
Yet it had its share of excitement during the Civil War, when held for the king and blown up with gunpowder at the close of the struggle. Today there are remnants of the walls and ruins of the gatehouse. It is the only Welsh castle built in this corner of Carmarthenshire in stone by a Welshman.
The castle was founded by Maredudd ap Rhys around 1240. His son Rhys ap Maredudd, held the castle in 1287, and the castle changed hands three times during the successful revolt against the English crown from 1287 to 1289.
After Rhys had finally been defeated and killed, the castle became Crown property and remained so until 1349. During this time three refurbishments are recorded and a new gatehouse was constructed. A new town was also founded outside the castle walls.
In 1403 the castle was taken by Owain Glyndwr, but was described in 1428 as being in ruins.
Sir Rhys ap Thomas acquired and repaired the castle around 1500. It changed hands a number of times before the Civil War. It was held held by Parliament until its capture by Sir Charles Gerrard in 1644. It was besieged by Major-General Rowland Laugharne for Parliament in 1645 but he was routed by Gerrard in a fierce encounter below the castle walls.
After the general surrender of the Royalists it was blown up to make it indefensible and according to a 1700 source it was plundered and left neglected.
Much stone was carried away by locals to build houses and it is said that this caused more damage than the gunpowder.
The castle was founded by Maredudd ap Rhys around 1240. His son Rhys ap Maredudd, held the castle in 1287, and the castle changed hands three times during the successful revolt against the English crown from 1287 to 1289.
After Rhys had finally been defeated and killed, the castle became Crown property and remained so until 1349. During this time three refurbishments are recorded and a new gatehouse was constructed. A new town was also founded outside the castle walls.
In 1403 the castle was taken by Owain Glyndwr, but was described in 1428 as being in ruins.
Sir Rhys ap Thomas acquired and repaired the castle around 1500. It changed hands a number of times before the Civil War. It was held held by Parliament until its capture by Sir Charles Gerrard in 1644. It was besieged by Major-
Much stone was carried away by locals to build houses and it is said that this caused more damage than the gunpowder.
