Dale Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dale Castle |
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| Dale, Pembrokeshire, Wales. | |
Dale Castle and Church
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| Coordinates | 51°42′27″N 5°10′39″W / 51.7075°N 5.1774°W |
| Type | Castle |
| Height | Up to 10 metres (33 ft) |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Ryder Family |
| Condition | Rebuilt, Occupied |
| Site history | |
| Built | Second half, 12th century |
| Built by | de Vales |
| In use | Private |
| Events | English Civil War |
Dale Castle is an old castle found near the village of Dale in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was built a long time ago, in the 13th century. Today, it's not just a ruin. In 1910, parts of the castle were changed. They became part of a new private house. This house was built to look like a strong, fortified manor house.
Contents
Discovering Dale Castle's Past
Who Built Dale Castle?
Dale Castle was built after the Normans arrived in South Wales. The first owners were a family called the de Vales. They were descendants of a brave knight. This knight had come with Robert fitz Martin when he invaded north Pembrokeshire. Over time, the male line of the de Vales family ended. This meant that the castle passed to new owners through the female side of the family.
Famous Connections to the Castle
The Walter family, who owned Roch Castle, later took over Dale Castle. A very interesting person came from this family: Lucy Walter. She was the mother of the Duke of Monmouth. His father was King Charles II. After the Walters, the castle was owned by the Paynters, Allens, and Lloyds families.
The Castle During the English Civil War
Dale Castle also played a part in history during the English Civil War. This was a big conflict in England, Scotland, and Ireland. It happened between 1642 and 1651. The castle was involved in some way during these important events.
What Dale Castle Looks Like Today
Changes Over Time
Not much of the original medieval castle is left. Most of what you see today was changed in 1910. It was built into the modern house and farm. An old drawing from around 1810 shows a rectangular tower with battlements. It also shows other buildings with sloped roofs next to it. Another drawing from the 1880s shows these buildings had three floors. The tower was still complete back then.
The 1910 Remodel
When the castle was remodeled in 1910, the tower became shorter. Both the tower and the other buildings lost their roofs. The back wall of the old buildings was removed. The front wall became part of the house's front yard.
Remaining Medieval Parts
The south wing of the house you see now was the main part of the medieval castle. It measured about 19.5 metres (64 ft) by 17 metres (56 ft). Its walls were very thick, about 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in) wide.
Who Owns It Now?
Today, the Lloyd Philipps family and their trusts own Dale Castle. They have sold many of the other lands that used to belong to the estate. This includes the island of Skokholm. Dale Castle is a private home and is not open to the public.
