Llansteffan Castle facts for kids
Llansteffan Castle (called Welsh: Castell Llansteffan in Welsh) is an old castle in Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire, Wales. It sits high up, looking over the River Tywi where it meets the sea in Carmarthen Bay. The castle is privately owned, but a group called Cadw helps look after it.
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Ancient Beginnings: The Iron Age Fort
Before the stone castle you see today, there was an even older fort on this spot. It was built during the Iron Age, thousands of years ago! This shows that people have lived in Llansteffan for a very long time.
The hill where the castle stands is perfect for watching over the River Tywi estuary. Back then, people would have cleared trees from the hill. This made it hard for enemies to sneak up. The old earthworks, which are like big ditches and mounds, are still there. They were even used to help defend the stone castle later on!
Building the Castle: Norman Times
The stone castle was built by the Normans after the year 1100. They built it as part of their plan to take over Wales. The castle was first given to the Marmion family. Later, it passed to the de Camville family through marriage.
Battles for Control
Llansteffan Castle was often fought over. It was a very important place to control!
- In 1146, a Welsh leader named Maredudd ap Gruffydd captured the castle. He took it from the Norman leaders, Maurice FitzGerald and William FitzGerald.
- The Normans took the castle back in 1158.
- Then, in 1215, Llywelyn the Great, a powerful Welsh prince, captured it for the Welsh.
- The de Camville family got the castle back sometime after 1223.
- In 1257, another Welsh prince, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, took the castle.
- But by the 1260s, it was back with the de Camvilles.
By 1367, the castle was starting to fall apart. It was described as being in a "poor state."
Owain Glyndŵr's Attacks
The castle faced more attacks during the time of Owain Glyndŵr. He was a Welsh prince who led a big rebellion against English rule.
- Owain Glyndŵr's forces captured Llansteffan Castle twice. This happened in 1403 and again around 1405.
- Sir John Pennes recaptured the castle for the English in 1408.
Later, the castle was given to the Crown (meaning the King or Queen of England). The main gatehouse, which had two towers, was even turned into a home!
Looking After the Castle Today
Today, Llansteffan Castle is still privately owned. However, it is looked after by Cadw. Cadw is a special group in Wales that protects historic buildings and ancient monuments. They help make sure this amazing piece of history is preserved for everyone to enjoy.
