The ruined Norman castle overlooks the town and the River Tywi which was founded in the 11th century.
The ruined Norman castle overlooks the town and the River Tywi which was founded in the 11th century. Rebuilding in stone was fully completed in the 13th century. The curtain wall was added later in that century, and a gatehouse and south-west tower in the 14th century. It was badly damaged by Owain Glyndwr in the 15th century before being strengthened during the civil war. Most of the structure, apart from the gatehouse, was demolished in the 18th century. Carmarthen Castle was converted to use as a prison in the late 18th century.
Carmarthen Castle has undergone a restoration and consolidation program recent years. An excavation was undertaken outside the twin-towered gatehouse that represented the main entry into the castle from the town. The excavation revealed evidence of the bridge that originally crossed a wide defensive ditch that separated the gatehouse from Nott Square.
