Cof Cymru: National Historic Assets of Wales · Wales
Narbeth Castle
Narberth, Pembrokeshire, Wales
The record
- Designation
- Listed building, Grade I
- Broad class
- Defence
- Date of designation
- 25 September 1951
- Community
- Narberth
- Unitary authority
- Pembrokeshire
- Country
- Wales
- Coordinates
- 51.79615, -4.74253
- Cadw reference
- 6473
Slide toward Today to fade the historical sheet and see the modern map underneath.
David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford LibrariesDavid Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries
Shown on 5 historical map sheets, the earliest the 1636 "Cornubia : Devonia, Somersetus, Dorcestria, Wiltonia, Glocestria ..." (David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries).
Cadw's description
Location
Situated on a scraped eminence overlooking the valley and river crossing on the southern approaches to the town.
History
Single-ward stone castle built soon after 1257 following destruction of Sentence Castle by Llywelyn ap Gruffydd. Burnt in 1299, but rebuilt. Granted to Sir Rhys ap Thomas in 1516. Reverted to the crown in 1531 following act of attainder on Sir Rhys ap Gruffydd, when said to be in state of decay. It was, however, inhabited as late as 1657.
Exterior
Rectangular site. Half moon outwork covers S front. Ruins of 2 quarter-engaged drum towers with battered bases. SE tower (bakehouse and chapel tower), has aumbry to 1st storey former reveal; window opening to 2nd storey. SW tower survives to 3 storeys. (Larder with 2 chambers over) pointed arches to 2nd floor openings, broad internal splays to ground floor openings. At right angles to N, fragment of walling rises to 1st storey height (former kitchens with hall over). Cambered openings to ground floor - modern blocking. Traces of arched openings to 1st floor level. Corbels.
On W of enclosure tracers of curtain with 2 semicircular bastions, one with drain.
On E vaulted cellar with 3 openings, centre enlarged to form doorway. Original door to S end but with modern work. Section of wall over bear evidence of window to former great chamber.
Also on E remains of tower with battered base below stringcourse. Evidence of 2 garderobes with chutes to angle with curtain. Flues to 1st and 2nd floors.
(Buttery with 2 chambers over).
The site of the Great Tower with its forebuilding and adjoining gatehouse lie obscured at N end of site.
Scheduled Ancient Monument.(PE040)
Nearby in the register
- Narberth CastleCastleunder 1 mi
- Milestone by entrance to New CemeteryTransportunder 1 mi
- The Rutzen Arms P.H.Commercialunder 1 mi
- 12 Market SquareDomesticunder 1 mi
Other entries of the same register within about three miles of this one, by straight line.