Paul’s book on the castle is due out either this year or next. There’s a list of all his books for sale in the Branch History, or they can be found on his web site at www.castles99.ukprint.com, where they can be ordered online.

I visited the castle fifteen years ago with my family while on holiday in the area, but all I remember is the RAF jets flying low overhead, its beautiful location and the fact that the castle was slighted by the Yorkists in 1462. The weather was good too!

Paul accompanied his very detailed talk with slides of the castle, illustrating the main architectural features. The castle existed in the thirteenth century and was owned by the Welsh, but nothing remains of this building and it was rebuilt by one of Edward I’s barons, who was given the castle in 1283. It sits on top of a limestone crag and dominates the surrounding area.

After being dismantled in 1462 by 500 men with picks and crowbars, ownership was given to Sir Rhys ap Thomas, whose family held it till the end of the sixteenth century. The Vaughans took over, and gave it to Baron Cawdor in the nineteenth century. A massive programme of rebuilding ensured the survival of the castle.

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