Rhayader Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhayader Castle |
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| Rhayader, Powys, Wales | |
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 Rhayader Castle
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| Coordinates | 52°18′02″N 3°30′54″W / 52.30049°N 3.51488°W |
| Type | Motte-and-bailey castle |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Demolished |
Rhayader Castle was once a motte-and-bailey castle in the town of Rhayader, Powys, Wales. Today, only its remains can be seen. Historians believe it was built around 1177. It might have been built by Rhys ap Gruffydd, who was a powerful Welsh prince.
At that time, the river near Rhayader was a border. The castle was important for controlling this area.
Contents
Castle's Early History
The castle's story is linked to important Welsh leaders.
Prince Rhys and William de Braose
In 1177, Prince Rhys ap Gruffydd took control of a nearby area called Buellt. He did this because of unfair actions by William de Braose. Later, in 1182, Rhys and William made peace. Rhys's son, Gruffydd, even married William's daughter. This friendship allowed William to return to Buellt.
Attacks and Rebuilding
The castle faced many challenges. In 1188, a relative of Rhys, Einion o'r Porth, was murdered. His brother took over his lands. Another Welsh leader, Maelgwn ap Cadwallon, then destroyed Rhayader Castle. But Prince Rhys rebuilt it in 1194.
Later Conflicts and Destruction
After Rhys died in 1196, his sons fought over who would rule. During this time, Rhayader Castle was destroyed again.
English Influence
Gwenwynwyn ab Owain, another Welsh prince, tried to expand his lands. King Richard I of England did not like this. He sent troops with Roger Mortimer to stop Gwenwynwyn. Mortimer took control of the area around Rhayader.
Mortimer might have rebuilt the castle around 1200. However, Welsh forces captured it just two years later. It's not clear if it was Gwenwynwyn's forces or another Welsh group.
Final Destruction
In 1230, Roger Mortimer's son, Ralph Mortimer, married the daughter of Llywelyn Fawr, a very powerful Welsh prince. Despite this family connection, Llywelyn destroyed Rhayader Castle in 1231. After this, the castle was never rebuilt.
What Remains Today
Today, Rhayader Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means it's a protected historical site.
The Motte
The main part that remains is a flat-topped mound. It's about 40 by 50 metres (130 by 160 ft) in size. This mound is called a "motte." It was the highest part of the castle, where a tower or keep would have stood.
Defenses
The castle was naturally protected by steep slopes near the river on two sides. On the other sides, there was a large ditch. This ditch was at least 4 metres (13 ft 1 in) deep and up to 10 metres (33 ft) wide. This ditch is the only part of the castle's defenses you can still see today.
