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Location
near Trapp, Carmarthenshire, Wales
Description
Castell Carreg Cennen is situated near the River Cennen, in the village of Trap, four miles south of Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire. The castle is set on a cliff face, protected by limestone cliffs to the south and rock-cut ditches to the west. To the north and east there is an outer courtyard, barbican (gatehouse fortifications), gatehouse, drawbridge and deep pits. In the south-east corner of the inner courtyard, steps lead down to a vaulted passage and a natural cave beneath the castle. A fresh water spring rises in the cave.
History
The castle was built in the 12th century by the Lord Rhys, who died in 1197, and it remained in the family for the next 50 years. In the 13th century the castle changed hands several times. In 1277 it was captured by the English, recaptured by the Welsh in 1282 and in English hands again the following year. In 1283 Edward I granted the castle to John Giffard, the commander of the English troops at Cilmeri where Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (The Last) was killed. Giffard was probably responsible for the remodeled castle we see today. In 1403 Owain Glyndwr, together with 800 men, attacked Carreg Cennen, and damaged the walls, but failed to take the castle. During the Wars of the Roses, Carreg Cennen became a stronghold of the house of Lancaster. A York force captured the castle and tried to demolish it.
Other Castles in the Area
Dinefwr Castle, Carmarthenshire
Dryslwyn Castle, Carmarthenshire
Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
Llandovery Castle, Carmarthenshire
Neath Castle, Neath Port Talbot
Swansea Castle, Swansea
Weobley Castle, Swansea
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