Llantrisant Castle facts for kids
Llantrisant Castle is a castle that is now in ruins. It is located in Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Glamorgan, Wales. The castle sits high up, giving great views of the land around it. It looks like it was once a very strong place for defense. Today, only part of a tower and some outer walls are still standing. No one is completely sure when or by whom this castle was built.
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History of Llantrisant Castle
Many historians have different ideas about who built Llantrisant Castle. Sem Phillips, a writer, thought it was likely built by Gwrgan ab Ithel, a Lord of Glamorgan. He believed it might have been fixed up or rebuilt by Einion ab Collwyn later on.
Other experts disagree with this idea. Some say that Earl Robert Galfridus Monemutensis built the castle around 1578. Another idea comes from Stowe's History of England. He mentions that Robert Consul, who was the son of King Henry I, built Llantrisant Castle. Robert Consul also built Bristol Castle and the Priory of St. James.
G. T. Clark, another historian, also mentions Earl Robert. He notes that Earl Robert built Bristol Castle and is thought to have built Cardiff Castle too. Records from 1184 show that castles like Newport, Kenfig, and Neath were strong forts at that time. This period seems to be when many castles in Glamorgan were built or made stronger. The parts of Llantrisant Castle that remain look similar to other buildings from that age. It's not clear how long the castle was used as a home.
Key Events at the Castle
In 1297, orders were given to Walter de Hacklut to finish building the castle gate. After Earl Gilbert died in 1314, his family took over the castle. Bartholomew de Badlesmere was put in charge of Glamorgan. He was told to make sure the castles were well-stocked.
In 1315, a man named William Fleming was given care of Llantrisant Castle. He was also in charge of the Forest of Miskin. Later, he upset the king and was executed in Cardiff for treason.
In 1404, the widow of Thomas, Earl of Glo'ster, was given control of several castles. These included Neath, Llantrisant, and Kenfig. However, King Henry V later took control of these castles.
The Llewellyn Bren Rebellion
There isn't much information about the castle between 1404 and 1533. Around 1316, there was a big uprising in Glamorgan led by Llewellyn Bren. He was a landowner from the hill country. To stop the rebellion, soldiers were sent from Gloucester and Somerset. Humphrey de Bohun was put in command.
Peace was quickly brought back. Llewellyn Bren, his wife, and two sons were sent to the Tower of London. Some people believe that Llantrisant Castle was destroyed during this rebellion. It is known that Llewellyn Bren did destroy several other castles in Glamorgan. He also caused many English and Norman people to leave the area.
Castle Grounds
It seems the castle once had two large parks. These parks were known as the "gay pigs." The names of the farmhouses that still exist today help confirm this.
