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Carreg Cennan Castle

Castell Carreg Cennen is a castle near the River Cennen (Carreg being Welsh for stone), in the village of Trap, four miles south of Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is considered one of the most spectacular castles in Britain, due to its position on a cliff face. The dramatic ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle are perched on top of a 300ft limestone crag. Archaeological evidence shows that this naturally defensive site was in use at least as far back as the Roman period and probably earlier, but the first mention of a medieval castle is in 1248 when Rhys Fychan regained control after his mother had handed the castle over to the English out of hatred for her son. Human remains found at the original site of Castell Carreg Cennen date human activity at the location back to prehistoric times. The site may well have also been an Iron Age hillfort. Roman coins from the 1st and 2nd century have also been found, although it is unlikely the Romans occupied this site on a permanent basis.

The castle consists of a square inner ward surrounded by natural cliffs and rock-cut ditches. The more easily approached north and east sides are further protected by the walls of an outer ward, and the gatehouse is protected by an elaborate barbican that houses a long stone ramp with several deep pits that were covered by movable bridges. Steep steps descend from the south-east corner of the courtyard to a vaulted passage on the edge of the cliff that leads to a natural cave beneath the castle. Bring a torch or hire one from the farm if you want to explore this cave. Although water gathers in the cave it would not have been enough to supply the castle and the cave was probably walled up to prevent its use by assailants.

The castle is maintained by CADW: Welsh Historic Monuments, the agency which does an outstanding job preserving the architectural heritage of Wales. Carreg Cennen sits on private farm property through which you must pass to gain access to the fortress.

Tel: 01690 750366. 
cadw@wales.gsi.gov.uk 

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