 Laugharne Castle
Located at the mouth of the River Taf is Laugharne Castle, the ruinous Welsh
coastal fortress that was converted to an Elizabethan mansion. Although
an exact date for the castle's foundation cannot be established, there
was probably a simple enclosure at Laugharne in the 11th
century, known as a 'ringwork'.
The first mention of a castle proper was made during 1116, and it is known that Henry II met
with Lord Rhys at Laugharne Castle in the latter half of the 12th
century. Following the King's death in 1189, Laugharne castle was captured,
and damaged by fire. Worst was to happen in 1215 when, overthrown by the Welsh once again, Laugharne
Castle was burnt to the ground. Some thirty years later, now owned by
the 'de Brian' family, a programme of rebuilding and strengthening commenced,
and it's this work from the late 13th century and 14th century that remains today.
An unusual, and noticeable feature, of Laugharne Castle is the presence of two Gatehouses.
The eastern guard chamber of the two-storey outer Gatehouse remains virtually
unaltered since medieval times. However, other walls did not survive so
well as, during the Civil War, cannon fire caused considerable damage.
The original late 13th century ground plan of the inner Gatehouse
is also unchanged, although the structure has been periodically heightened
and modified.
At the end of the 12th century, the rectangular Hall block was constructed but much of the
Range is now in ruins, with only one main curtain wall surviving. The
north west tower, once the medieval Keep and principal stronghold of
Laugharne Castle, has a lovely domed roof made of stone which not only acted
as a fire precaution but also provided added security. By 1389, Laugharne Castle was a magnificent residence,
superbly defended, and had many important visitors
staying within its walls. In 1403, King Henry IV warned of a possible
attack on the castle, and ensured that all possible precautions were
taken to ward against capture. From 1535 Laugharne Castle returned to Royal
hands, and in 1584 Queen Elizabeth I agreed to Sir John Perrot's
tenancy of Laugharne.
During this time, Perrot changed Laugharne Castle into a splendid Tudor mansion, but shortly afterwards
he was sent to the Tower, and much of the fine glass, lead and beautiful
wooden panelling were illegally removed from the house. With deliberate
destruction caused, as a result of the Civil War, the ruinous castle
stood neglected, until some time in the 18th century when
the grounds were landscaped. But the castle itself continued to deteriorate
until, in the 1930s, a restoration of Laurgharne Castle was undertaken.
Perhaps Laugharne Castle is most remembered today as the home of Dylan Thomas where, from the gazebo
built upon the base of a medieval tower, he used to gaze out over the
estuary to seek inspiration for his books. It is possible to visit his
Boat House, still containing many pieces of original furniture and many
family photographs, and the notorious 'writing shed'. Another modern writer
also enchanted with the surroundings here was Richard Hughes. |
