Castell Meredydd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castell Meredydd |
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| Newport, South Wales, Wales Near Machen in Wales |
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 Castell Meredydd
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| Coordinates | 51°35′31″N 3°07′11″W / 51.591993°N 3.119780°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Ruined |
Castell Meredydd, also known as Castell Machen, was a castle in Gwynllwg, Wales. It was built in the 13th century, which means the 1200s. Today, it is just a ruin, meaning only parts of it are left.
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Where was Castell Meredydd?
This old castle, sometimes called Machen, Maghay, or Maghhay in old papers, is found in the area of Graig. This is in the historic county of Monmouthshire and the modern city of Newport.
Historians think it might have been built from timber (wood) or from masonry (stone). Today, you can still see some stone foundations. The site is protected as a scheduled monument. This means it's an important historical place that needs to be preserved.
What did the Castle Look Like?
Castell Meredydd was built on a raised area on a hillside. It had a round tower, which was about 10 meters (33 feet) across. The walls of this tower were about 2 meters (6.5 feet) thick.
There was also another large building, about 18 by 10 meters (59 by 33 feet). This building stood on two natural rocky mounds. These mounds were on the south side of a larger enclosed area. This area was about 56 meters (184 feet) wide and 30 to 56 meters (98 to 184 feet) long.
The castle even had a latrine chute! This was like a toilet that emptied down the cliff. The main tower (called the keep) and the large hall were separated from the main courtyard (called the bailey) by a ditch. The bailey was about 60 meters (197 feet) square. However, higher ground nearby meant it wasn't very well protected.
Who Owned the Castle?
The spot where the castle stands was first fortified in the late 1100s. This was done by a person named Meredydd Gethin.
Morgan ap Hywel's Time
Around 1215, Morgan ap Hywel became the Lord of Gwynllwg. He lost control of Caerleon in 1217 to William Marshal. But Morgan managed to keep Castell Machen for most of his life. He made the castle stronger by adding a tower. He likely built the round tower, or keep, in 1217.
In 1236, Gilbert Marshal captured Castell Meredydd. This happened during a break in fighting between Llywelyn the Great and King Henry III of England. After Gilbert took the castle, he added a bailey and a curtain wall. But he had to give the castle back to Morgan. This was part of the truce, or because he was afraid of Llywelyn.
Later Owners
Morgan ap Hywel died around 1248. His grandson, Meredudd ap Gruffudd, inherited the castle. Meredudd died in 1270.
In 1266, Gilbert de Clare, 7th Earl of Gloucester, took the castle. He was also the lord of Glamorgan. He captured it when he took over the area of Senghenydd. The castle was still listed as property of the last earl in 1314. After that, it is no longer mentioned in historical records. This means it likely fell into ruin and was forgotten.
