Haverfordwest Castle
| Haverfordwest Castle | |
|---|---|
| Part of Pembrokeshire | |
| Haverfordwest, Wales UK grid reference SM953157 |
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 Haverfordwest Castle
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| Coordinates | 51°48′11″N 4°58′12″W / 51.803°N 4.97°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Partially restored |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1120 1290 Early 1380s |
| Built by |
Gilbert de Clare, earl of Pembroke Queen Eleanor of Castile |
| In use | Until mid 18th century |
| Materials |
Mortar Timber |
Haverfordwest Castle is a castle located in the town centre at Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, south Wales, located in a naturally defensive position at the end of a strong, isolated ridge. The castle was established during Norman times in 1120 but much of the architecture remaining today is dated to 1290. For centuries the castle was an English stronghold. There are several other notable castles in area; Wiston Castle lies 6 miles (9.7 km) to the northeast and Pembroke Castle lies 12 miles (19 km) to the south.
Pembrokeshire Records indicate that there was an Iron Age hill fort on the site of the castle although there is no physical evidence to suggest this on the present location. Haverfordwest was believed to have been a Danish settlement prior to the Norman conquest of West Wales in 1093/94. The Flemish settled in the area in 1108 to protect the main Norman stronghold at Pembroke Castle from Welsh raiders from the north.
The vast majority of sources indicate that the structure was originally a Norman architecture stone keep and bailey fortress, founded by the Englishman Gilbert de Clare, earl of Pembroke in 1120. While this date is generally consistent, although some indicate 1110 or 1113, Pembrokeshire Records insist that the castle was actually originally built by Tancred the Fleming, so the original medieval town and castle would have been Flemish not Norman and they claim that the castle remained in the possession of the Tancred family until 1210. The original castle is believed to have been first attacked (unsuccessfully) by Gruffydd ap Rhys, Prince of Deheubarth, in 1135 – 1136. In 1173 the castle had its first royal visit by Henry II of England who passed by the town on coming back from a trip to Ireland. In 1188 Giraldus Cambrensis mentions visiting the castle with Archbishop Baldwin during his progress around Wales preaching for the 3rd Crusade that Richard I the Lion Heart led to the Holy Land.
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Wikipedia