Carreg Cennen Castle

This was not one of the great imposing Welsh castles, built to defend and protect the country, but it was one of many administrative centres built by the powerful landowners of the day. Remotely located along the foothills of the Black Mountains, Carreg Cennen Castle sits atop a 325ft (100m) limestone crag, presenting an evocative and dramatic landmark that is visible for miles around.

Following many years of feuding between the English and the Welsh, during which time the castle changed hands on numerous occasions, the stronghold eventually came into the hands of the Giffard family. Architectural evidence suggests that the castle seen today dates from this period (end of the 13th century), and was probably begun by John Giffard. From 1322 until the end of the century Carreg Cennen Castle passed through many hands, but in 1399 it became Crown property as part of the Duchy of Lancaster.

The Wars of the Roses signalled the end of Carreg Cennen Castle's life as an effective fortification when, in 1462, a labour force of some 500 men dismantled the buildings with crowbars and pick-axes. Already ruinous, Carreg Cennen Castle was granted to Sir Rhys ap Thomas, whose family held it until the end of the 16th century, when ownership passed to the Vaughan family. It remained a neglected, romantic vision for over two hundred years, with few visitors and little interest, although John Vaughan was keen to put his family seat back on the tourist trail. In his wisdom, he left his estate to his friend, Baron Cawdor, at the beginning of the 19th century. The family's enthusiasm to preserve the structure for future generations was realised and, before the end of the century, an extensive programme of rebuilding had been carried out. Since 1932, when they placed Carreg Cennen Castle into the care of the State, it has been regularly maintained.

Even today Carreg Cennen Castle remains well off the beaten track, towering high above the spectacular countryside, and can only be reached by an energetic climb. Having said that, it is well worth the effort for the views alone, although the haunting atmosphere within the castle ruins will certainly leave a lasting impression. Legend and speculation form a good part of Carreg Cennen Castle's chequered history, and one of its mysteries remains hidden deep below the south east corner of the site. Here a narrow cave can be reached through a vaulted passageway, but its function remains unclear. Was it used as an early water supply, or as a dovecot to ensure fresh meat during winter, or merely as additional defence measures? The castle no doubt holds many secrets within its ancient walls, and this is yet another that is unlikely to ever be revealed.