Tag: 12th-century

The Beautiful, but Windy, Ogmore Castle

Ogmore Castle, or to give it it’s Welsh name- Castell Ogwr, is a 12th-century ruin near Bridgend in Glamorgan, South Wales. It sits on the banks of the River Ewenny but takes its name from the nearby River Ogmore.

It’s a blowy but very sunny day and the castle looks stunning.  There are pony trekkers crossing the river at the all-important ford heading for a ride on the beach at Ogmore By Sea.  Despite the cold, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this castle.

Construction of the castle is thought to have begun in 1106 prior to the Norman conquest. It was in use until the 19th century, latterly as a court of justice and a prison.

Why is White Castle Not White?

Near the village of Llantilio Crossenny in Monmouthshire, Wales sits the imposing 12th-century Norman fortress of White Castle. Constructed on the foundations of its predecessor which was built of wood and earth in 1066, it was intended to protect the route from Wales to Hereford. It may have been commissioned by William fitz Osbern, the Earl of Hereford.

In 1135, King Stephen responded to a Welsh revolt by bringing together White Castle and its sister fortifications of Grosmont and Skenfrith to form a lordship known as the “Three Castles”. King John gave the castle to Hubert de Burgh, in 1201. Over the next few years, it was passed from Hubert, his rival the de Braose family, and the Crown.