Crug Eryr Castle facts for kids

Crug Eryr Castle (which means "the eagle's mount") was a special kind of castle called a motte and bailey. It was built on top of a hill. You could find it near the A44 road, about two miles northwest of Llanfihangel Nant Melan, close to New Radnor in Powys, Wales. This castle was probably placed there to guard a mountain pass into an area called Maelienydd.

What Was Crug Eryr Castle?

Crug Eryr Castle was a "motte and bailey" castle. This means it had two main parts. The "motte" was a big mound of earth, often man-made, with a wooden or stone tower on top. This tower was the main strong point. The "bailey" was a larger, enclosed area next to the motte. It was usually surrounded by a ditch and a fence or wall. The bailey held buildings like homes, stables, and workshops.

Why Was Crug Eryr Castle Built?

Castles like Crug Eryr were very important in medieval times. They helped control land and protect people. Crug Eryr was likely built to block a mountain pass. This pass led into a region called Maelienydd. Controlling such a pass was key for defense and trade. It meant the castle could stop enemies from passing through easily.

Who Owned Crug Eryr Castle?

We don't know exactly when Crug Eryr Castle was first built or who built it. Some historians think it belonged to the princes who ruled Maelienydd. These princes were powerful leaders in their region.

A Royal Visit in 1188

A very important event happened at Crug Eryr Castle in March 1188. A prince named Maelgwn ap Cadwallon, who was the 'Prince of Melenia' (another name for Maelienydd), welcomed a very important guest. This guest was the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Archbishop was on a special trip around Wales. He was joined by a famous writer and traveler named Gerald of Wales. This trip was meant to encourage people to join the Third Crusade. The Third Crusade was a big military journey to the Holy Land.

The Poet of Crug Eryr

Later on, a famous Welsh poet lived at Crug Eryr Castle. His name was Llywelyn Crug Eryr. He became known by the castle's name, 'Crug Eryr', because he lived there. This shows that the castle was still an important place even after its main military use.