Kidwelly is an outstanding example of late 13th century castles design. The castle is a mighty and imposing monument of Norman power which was dramatically altered on a number of occasions to conform to the latest thinking in military science.
Kidwelly is an outstanding example of late 13th century castles design. The castle is a mighty and imposing monument of Norman power which was dramatically altered on a number of occasions to conform to the latest thinking in military science. Roger, bishop of Salisbury, the justiciar of England, has first established the castle on the rocky site above the mouth of the Gwendraeth Fach to secure the new conquests of south Wales.
This castle fell to the Welsh on a number of occasions in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. It was back in Norman hands and remained English from then on, despite periodic attacks by 1201. It has been transformed by Henry, Earl of Lancaster at the end of 13th century. In the early 14th century, the present mighty outer defences were constructed, while the last addition to the castle was at the end of the 15th century.
