Carbury Castle, County Kildare facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carbury Castle |
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Carbury south-west facade
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| Type | Motte and Bailey |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Bermingham |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | before 1220 |
| Built by | Meiler FitzHenry |
| In use | Until 1600s |
| Materials | Limestone |
| Battles/wars | de bros |
Carbury Castle is an old castle found in a place called Carbury, right on the edge of Kildare and Offaly in Ireland. This area is mostly known for the amazing ruins of a large Tudor mansion that sits on top of Carbury Hill. This hill was also sometimes called Fairy Hill. The very first part of the castle, a type of mound called a motte, was probably built by a knight named Meiler FitzHenry. He was given this land by a powerful leader known as Strongbow.
Over time, different families owned Carbury Castle. The de Berminghams took it over in the 1300s. Then, in the 1400s, Irish families took control. Later, in 1588, the Colley family got the castle. They were ancestors of the famous Duke of Wellington. The Colleys built a big, strong house on the hill in the 1600s, which is now mostly in ruins.
History of Carbury Castle
The very first castle on Carbury Hill was built by the Normans. These were people from France and England who came to Ireland a long time ago. The mound, or "motte," on the hill was likely built by Meiler FitzHenry. He was given the land by Strongbow, a very important Norman leader.
Who Owned the Castle?
After Meiler FitzHenry, the de Bermingham family took over Carbury Castle in the 1300s. From them, the castle passed to the Preston family. They held a special title called Baron Gormanston. However, in the 1400s, native Irish families took control of the castle.
Later, between 1429 and 1447, a powerful English nobleman named John Talbot rebuilt parts of Carbury Castle. He was also known as the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury.
The Colley Family and Their Stronghouse
In 1554, a knight named Sir Henry Colley was given a lease to use the castle for 21 years. His family line eventually led to the famous Dukes of Wellington. The Colley family renewed their lease and built a large, strong house on top of the hill in the 1600s. This is the main ruin you see today.
