Continued

Photo Journal of our 1990 Trip To Wales Day 6 By Rhuddlwm Gawr

CARREG CENNEN CASTLE

One of the most spectacular Welsh castles is Carreg Cennen, located north of Swansea, a few miles south-east of Llandeilo on a minor road off the A483.  We almost didn't find it because the roads were all sunken between hedgerows and it was hard to tell where you were going, but finally I was able to see a spectacular castle seemingly perched at the top of the world.  But, that description does not equal the views we experienced from the hilltop upon which the castle sits!

Carreg Cennen dominates its surroundings, and seems out of place in the farming area which it overlooks. As I said, the hedgerows along the minor approach road initially obscure views of the site, but suddenly the grey stone fortress springs into your line of sight, shocking your visual senses and urging you onwards.

The story of Carreg Cennen Castle is a long one, going back at least to the 13th century, but long before this, the site was occupied as an Iron Age fortress, and earlier as a ritual site.  Roman coins and four skeletons have been found at the site indicating early occupation, but the Iron Age hillfort has been obliterated by subsequent building.  Although the Welsh Princes of Deheubarth built the first castle at Carreg Cennen, what remains today dates to King Edward I's momentous period of castle-building in Wales.  One source states that the name Carreg Cennen has its roots in the Welsh for sacred well.

The sacred well or spring was located at the end of the cave that was eventually incorporated into the castle itself. Water still collects at the end of the cave, but the spring is no longer active. The atmosphere in the cave is very electric. It was an amazing feeling being so deep down in the cold wet rock.  It almost rivaled the cave exploring we did in Alabama.

The castle sits on top of a precipitous limestone crag and dominates the landscape like an Eagles nest. it offers excellent views of the surrounding area. Carreg Cennen Castle also serves as one of the principle landmarks in the west of the Brecon Becons National Park visible from the surrounding countryside and in particular from the Black Mountain ridges.  It is said that te first castle at Carreg Cennen was constructed by the Welsh Prince Rhys Ap Gryffydd in the 12th and 13th century.  One legend suggests that the original fortress at Carreg Cennen dates back to the Dark Ages and the Welsh Knight Urien Rheged and his son Owain. Legend suggests they were knights during the reign of King Arthur.However, the existing remains date back to that period following the conquest of Wales by King Edward the First in the C14th. The initial conquest was followed by an extensive program of castle building to consolidate his grip on this wild mountainous country. King Edward the first seized Carreg Cennen Castle in 1277 which was granted by the King to John Giffard who built the castle which remains today. The castle was eventually abandoned in 1462 following the Wars of the Roses at which time it was partially demolished by hundreds of men employed specifically to disable its effectiveness as a politically fortification. On the one side the ruined castle sits on the edge of a 300 ft sheer drop. Access to the castle from this side is impossible. It is on this side that a steep series of steps take you along a passageway that descends into the bedrock beneath the castle fortifications. At the end of this passageway you reach a damp limestone cave. It is said this cave provided the castle with a water supply.

The Morris family of Castell Farm administer access to the Castle in association with CADW (Tel 012 0 500200)  Refreshments are available from the cafe and the shop sells large number of items of interest to visitors. There is an admission charge and tickets to visit the castle should be purchased at this point before undertaking a very steep assent to the castle entrance. (Telephone: 01558 822291). The cafe and shop are allocated in the farm yard where there is also a display of rare and unusual farm animals.

To reach the hilltop, be prepared for an invigorating climb - and just imagine yourself as an invader intent on the ruin of the castle... The hike will undoubtedly increase your heart beat, at the very least, and make you well aware of your physical conditioning. However, do not be daunted! Little compares to the sense of accomplishment when reaching the top, and you are more than amply rewarded with simply fabulous views of Black Mountain and the colorful, distinctively Welsh countryside. Below: Carreg Cennen farm viewed from the summit of the castle.

Carreg Cennen sits on private farm property through which you must pass to gain access to the fortress, which looms well above your head. At first glance this may seem a confusing, unexpectedly contrasting welcome to a castle, with farm animals of many variations roaming all around, but Castell Farm is interesting and adds charm to the day's events. Looking beyond to the foreboding hillock, you may choose to pause for some refreshment and a look around the farm grounds before venturing forth! Consider a visit to Carreg Cennen as an experience for all your senses - you will not be disappointed! The excursion upwards finally brings you to the outer ward of the castle, where the view is incredible. Strewn about the ward are rocks and remnants of the outer fortifications. The outer ward enclosed the stables, workshops and lime kilns, and was protected by a small gateway and a stone wall, which continues to your right, around the more vulnerable side of the castle. The enclosure was designed to trap intruders and prevent access to the castle's interior. The huge North East Tower projected into the ward and was positioned perfectly for an assault on the confined invaders.

 

NEXT   Contact us at our e-mail: http://www.dynionmwyn.com/contactus.htm Author:  Webmaster Copyright © 1977, 1992, 2003 by Rhuddlwm Gawr.   All rights reserved. Revised: 26 Jun 2008 14:53:43 -0400 For information on all individuals and organizations listed in this website, or the name of a contact person in your area that can give you further information on the Church of Y Dynion Mwyn, contact us at http://www.dynionmwyn.com/contactus.htm . Let us hear from you! You may also call us at 000-000-0000 If you access our voice mail, we will call you back collect if long distance. Or, you can write to Camelot, P.O. Box 672125, Marietta, GA 30006-0006 Return to the Welsh Witchcraft Homepage