Aberdyfi Castle facts for kids
Aberdyfi Castle is an old castle found near Glandyfi, in Ceredigion, Wales. Today, only a large earth mound called a "motte" remains. This mound is known as Domen Las, which means "green mound" in Welsh. Castles like this were often built on a motte, which was a raised earth hill, with a wooden tower on top.
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History of Aberdyfi Castle
Aberdyfi Castle was built in 1156 by a powerful Welsh leader named Rhys ap Gruffydd, also known as the Lord Rhys. He had just become the ruler of a kingdom in south Wales called Deheubarth.
Why the Castle Was Built
Lord Rhys heard that another strong Welsh ruler, Owain Gwynedd, might attack Ceredigion. Ceredigion was a part of Rhys's land. To prepare for this possible attack, Rhys decided to build a castle at Aberdyfi.
The attack never happened. Some historians think Owain Gwynedd might have just been testing how strong the new ruler, Lord Rhys, was. An old Welsh book called Brut y Tywysogion (which means 'Chronicles of the Princes') says that Rhys "raised a ditch to give battle." This shows he was ready to fight.
What the Castle Looked Like
Even though the attack didn't happen, a castle was built. It was made of earth and timber (wood). The main part was a large earth mound, or motte. This motte was built on a low ridge near where the Dyfi and Einion rivers meet.
The mound is still about 20 feet (6 meters) high today. Its top is about 30 feet (9 meters) wide. Originally, a deep ditch surrounded the mound to protect it.
Changes in Ownership
Around 1158, a Norman lord named Roger de Clare attacked and took control of Aberdyfi Castle. However, Lord Rhys quickly fought back and recaptured his castle in the same year.
Llywelyn the Great's Meeting
In 1216, a very important meeting took place at Aberdyfi Castle. This meeting was led by Llywelyn the Great, who was a powerful prince of Gwynedd (a kingdom in north Wales).
At this meeting, Llywelyn decided how to divide land in south Wales among smaller Welsh rulers. In return for this land, these rulers promised to be loyal to Llywelyn. Before this, Llywelyn only ruled Gwynedd. The meeting at Aberdyfi was a big moment. It showed that many Welsh rulers now looked to Llywelyn as their main leader.
By 1230, Llywelyn started calling himself 'prince of Aberffraw, lord of Snowdon'. This title basically confirmed that he was the most important ruler in Wales, like a prince of Wales.
