CLEDDAU WATERWAY – CASTLES

Carew Castle

Carew Castle situated some five miles east of Pembroke Town, on an inlet of the River Cleddau, has been built on the site of a much earlier settlement, possibly dating back some 2000 years.

It is one of the few castles displaying development from Norman fortification to Elizabethan country house, and is set in beautiful countryside, overlooking the 23 acre Mill Pond.

It has seen close Royal connections over the centuries, with remarkable individuals, including the beautiful Princess Nest, the powerful Sir Rhys ap Thomas and the ambitious Sir John Perrott.

In 1507, the Great Tournament was held at the castle, attracting over 600 nobles, - no “Health and Safety Issues” in those days - although the castle also reflects the everyday lives of lesser figures, from craftsmen, servants, priests and stewards, together with common soldiery. Recent archaelogical “digs” have unveiled fascinating insights into the past life at the castle, through the efforts of students from local colleges spending cold dark winter mornings carrying out research in the grounds - many artifacts found are now on permanent display at the National Museum in Cardiff, and modern-day explorers of the castle and grounds can experience and imagine how life must have been in those days long gone by.

During the summer months, many events take place at Carew, ranging from battle re-enactments, country fairs, drama and concerts.

It has one of only three restored tidal mills in Britain. This fine four-storey building is part of Carew history, and houses all its original machinery. The milling processes are explained fully on site, and traces milling through the ages, including the development of cereal crops, sources of power and the mill’s role in the farming community.

The Castle is normally open from Easter to the end of October, 10.00.a.m. to5.00.p.m., at a reasonable fee, and visitors can plan a trip ahead by contacting the Carew Castle office on telephone/fax number 01646 651782 or by logging on to it’s web-site

Haverfordwest Castle

Haverfordwest Castle is first mentioned by Giraldus Cambrensus as one of the places he visited in 1188. First established by Gilbert de Clare, that castle must have been built of earth and timber.

The existing castle, divided into two wards, probably reflects the design of the 12^th century castle, and from about 1220 was probably constructed of stone. It withstood an attack by Llewelyn the Great at this time, and was later acquired by Queen Eleanor (wife of Edward 1) in 1289.Considerable expenditure was incurred on the castle during this time, at what was a naturally defensive position at the end of a strong isolated ridge on a sheer cliff on the east.

Throughout the ages, ownership passed through a number of hands including Edwards the Black Prince, from 1359 to 1367. It repulsed an attack in 1405 during Owain Glyndwr’s war of Welsh independence. Later falling derelict, it was rebuilt during the Civil War.

Haverfordwest, during the medieval ages was defended by town walls around high ground near the castle, but these have now disappeared.

Further information about the castle can be found on Website

or why not visit the castle to see for yourself.

Pembroke Castle

Pembroke Castle began as an earthwork built by Arnulf de Montgomery in 1093.

Its strategic position, sited on a high ridge between two tidal inlets and on a major routeway was chosen early in the first Norman incursions into south-west Wales.

Under the ownership of William Marshall in 1189, it was transformed into a mighty stone fortification. Further buildings were added in the later 13^th Century, including the Great Hall. There were various successive owners including the de Valence family and the Hastings family, before passing to the Crown in 1389. Pembroke Castle is famous as the birthplace of Henry Tudor, later King Henry VII who was born here in 1456.

To give some indication of the size of the Castle, Harlech Castle in North Wales could fit into Pembroke Castle’s courtyard.

During the Civil War in 1648, the castle came under siege from Oliver Cromwell, and fell after seven weeks when the water supply was cut off, and a siege cannon arrived to start a bombardment.

However much of the apparently almost perfect preservation of this work is largely an illusion due to a systematic programme of restoration in the early 19^th and 20^th Century

But even more impressive from inside than out, it is well worth a visit, and visitors are welcome throughout the year. Many events are held during the summer/autumn season to ensure visitors can enjoy a unique experience.

Further information on the castle can be found on its web-site:-