Castell Cydweli


The last day soon approached with many a tear, but there was time for one last castlegasm at Castell Cydweli (Kidwelly Castle). It so turns out that this castle was actually used in the first scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (I am obsessed with Python), and I did not know at the time :|. But I had one huge gasm here and so left the tour on a high note...



Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00

Here are pictures from Castell Cydweli (Welsh) or Castle Kidwelly (English). See Warwick Castle for information on castles and the bits and pieces of them. Here are several photo's of the castle...


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00

One of the tall turrets, incidently the only one where you can go right to the top.


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00

This was taken of me waving my scarfe just before I lost it to the wind, and Mel recovered it...


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00

Inside one of the turrets looking up.


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00

Inside the inner bailey looking at the biggest turret.


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00

My "Lawrence of Arabia" look taken from up on top of the battlements.


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00

 


Castell Cydweli, 22.01.00

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The History of Castell Cydweli

This castle is one of the best examples of Norman fortifications. Roger, bishop of Salisbury established this castle in a "rinkwork" design. This was but one of several strongholds to secure the Norman conquest of Wales by commanding river passes. This is what the castle would have originally looked like

Throughout the ages this castle changed hands between the Normans and the Welsh several times. In the mid 13th century under the de Chaworth family, the stone castle was erected - which we can see today. The castle was not a strong concentric castle with two layers of defence (or bailey's). Throughout the years more work was done, the mighty gatehouse we see today has been estimated to have taken a century to complete. Defences were completed, with the additions of a chapel and more.

Castell Cydweli is located in the middle of a city, and is listed under the British Heritage Sites, it is a tourism site - but since Wales has such an abundance of castles - generally only the really big ones are gone to.

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This concludes ze tour de Britain...more shall come in the near future so stay tuned...


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