This is Laugharne Castle (Castell Talacharn yn Gymraeg) of Laugharne, Carmarthenshire
What’s the Story of Laugharne Castle?
The castle has had an interesting history and was originally built in 1116 for Robert Courtemain. Located on the estuary of Afon Tâf, it had the combined bonuses of defensive capabilities and stunning scenery. Though built for Courtemain, the castle would be the home of Welshman Bleddyn ap Cedifor, who was responsible for its safe keeping.
Henry II, King of England, would die in 1189, allowing Prince Rhys ap Gruffudd of Deheubarth to claim the castle. It would soon after become Norman, then be captured by Llywelyn the Great, and then fall into the hands of the De Brian family in the mid-13th century. The castle would then be destroyed by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd sometime around 1257.
The castle would be eventually recaptured by the English and rebuilt once again – it would also prove to be an area of difficult for Owain Glyndŵr, as it is believed the rebellion stalled at Talacharn and began the turning of the tide.
During the Elizabethan era, it would become a Tudor mansion for a potential illegitimate son of Henry VIII, Sir John Perrott.
It would be the English Civil War which would see the true end of the castle, with Parliamentary forces hitting it with cannon fire and leaving it the romantic ruin it is today.
In recent times, the castle is famed for being the location at which Welsh poet Dylan Thomas worked on his acclaimed work, “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog”, which was released in 1940.
Castell Talacharn is an interesting, lesser-known castle steeped in history. It is well-worth the visit.
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Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.