Newcastle Castle, Bridgend facts for kids
Newcastle Castle (which is Y Castell Newydd in Welsh) is an old castle in South Wales. It sits on Newcastle Hill, looking over the town of Bridgend. People first thought it was built around 1106. A Norman baron named Robert Fitzhamon started it as a "ringwork." A ringwork was a simple castle made of earth and wood. Today, the castle is mostly ruins, but you can still see some amazing stone parts.
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Castle History
Newcastle Castle was first built in 1106. A knight named William de Londres started it. He was one of the famous "Twelve Knights of Glamorgan." This castle was part of the Norman invasion of Wales. William de Londres was loyal to a powerful Norman leader, Robert Fitzhamon. Newcastle Castle was the furthest west of Fitzhamon's lands. It was one of three castles the Normans built in this area. The other two were Coity Castle and Ogmore Castle.
Stronger Walls and New Owners
The castle's defenses were made much stronger later on. This happened around 1183. Either William Fitz Robert, the Earl of Gloucester, or King Henry II made these changes. They added a thick stone wall, about 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide. This wall went all around a courtyard that was 40 meters (130 feet) long. These new defenses were probably built because of a Welsh uprising. A Welsh lord named Morgan ap Caradog led this uprising.
King Henry II died in 1189. The castle then went to Prince John. He later became King John. That same year, Prince John gave the castle to Morgan ap Caradog. When Morgan died around 1208, his son Lleison took over. After Lleison died around 1214, the castle went to Isabel, Countess of Gloucester. She was King John's first wife.
In 1217, the castle changed hands again. It briefly belonged to Gilbert Fitz Richard. He then gave it to Gilbert de Turberville in the same year. However, Gilbert de Turberville preferred to live at Coity Castle.
What You Can See at the Castle
Newcastle Castle is famous for its beautiful stonework. The Norman doorway is especially impressive. This doorway was likely built in the late 1100s. It was probably made at the same time as the tall stone walls. These walls also supported two square towers.
Only the bottom part of the west tower is left. But the south tower still has three levels. This tower was changed in the 1500s to be a living area. They added Tudor-style windows and fireplaces back then.
Visiting the Castle
Newcastle Castle is looked after by Cadw. Cadw is the Welsh government's historic environment service. You can visit the castle for free all year round. There is a small parking area next to the site. There are 10 steps between the two main grassy areas. This means it can be hard for wheelchair users to get around some parts.
