Photo Charles Taylor

The first wooden castle was started in 1106 on a site overlooking the tidal river and wwas captured a number of times by the Welsh in the 12th and 13th centuries. It was completely rebuilt at the end of the 13th century when the Inner Ward was constructed with a tall tower at each corner. Then at the beginning of the 14th century the outer curtain wall and the two gatehouses were added, making an early example of a concentic castle design. It was in a state of ruin by the time of the Civil War, it has now been extensively restored.

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