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Caerleon
Castle is one of the earliest and largest mottes in South Wales,
but is now covered with trees and is hardly visible behind 19th
century walls.
A wooden
fort was built on top of the motte, which was probably constructed
after the Norman Conquest. At that time the Lord of Caerleon was
Caradoc ap Gruffydd. He died in 1081 and was succeeded by his
son Owain Wan (Owain the Weak). William the Conqueror assigned
this part of South Wales, centred on Cardiff, to Robert fitz Hamon,
and he divided the area up amongst his nobles, following his defeat
of Jestyn ap Gwrgan, the Prince of Glamorgan.
The Domesday
Book (1086) refers to Turstin fitz Rolf holding the castle from
William de Scohies, but Owain son's Iorwerth regained the castle,
only to lose it to Henry II in 1171 and to regain it two years
later.
In 1175 Howel,
the son of Iorweth, founded Lantarnum Abbey (3 miles away). This
is also known as Caerleon Abbey - this causing much confusion
in more recent times with "The Priory" in Caerleon.
In 1217 William
Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, acquired the Castle and he probably
built a stone keep on top of the mound and the stone wall and
towers around the bailey. Only one tower, now attached to the
Hanbury Arms public house, still survives.
At the end
of the 13th century it was held by the de Clares and enjoyed relative
stability.
The castle
was probably destroyed during the rebellions of Owain Glyndwr
(1400 - 1405) and according to John Leyland, visiting Caerleon
circa 1536, it was then in ruins. William Coxe in "An Historical
Tour of Monmouthshire" in 1801 has illustrations of a collapsing
tower and other defences. Much of the castle stonework was removed
in the 19th century during building work.
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Chronology -
1031
Death of Jestyn ap Owain who held Caerleon. Succeeded by Gruffydd
ap Rhydderch.
1081
Death of Caradawg ap Gruffydd, last king of Gwent. Succeeded by
his son Owain Wan (Owain the Weak). King William I visited Wales.
Robert de Chandos obtained Caerleon from Owain Wan. The Castle
Mound at Caerleon probably dates from this time.
1086
The Domesday Book states that Turstin fitz Rolf held Caerleon
Castle for William Scohies.
1087
Death of William I.
1136
Death of Henry I. Morgan and Iorwerth, the sons of Owain Wan seized
Usk and Caerleon Castles.
1158
Death of Morgan. Succeeded by Iorwerth.
1171
Iorwerth dispossessed by Henry II.
1173
Iorwerth regained the Castle.
1175
(Llantarnum Abbey founded by Howel ap Iorwerth).
1184
Howel ap Iorwerth (Sir Howel of Caerleon) already succeeded to
the Lordship of Caerleon.
- - -
- Meredydd ap Howel (resigned the lordship).
c.1210
Morgan brother of Meredydd held Caerleon.
1217
William Marshall captured Caerleon Castle after a siege. Work
begun on a stone castle.
1219
Death of William Marshall.
1233
Morgan ordered to restore the Castle to Richard Marshall.
1234 Castle
attacked and burnt to the ground by Morgan.
1236 Morgan
received back some of his lands.
1245
Caerleon passed to the de Clares.
1248
Death of Morgan. Succeeded by his brother, Meredydd ap Gruffydd.
1273
Gilbert de Clare dispossessed Meredydd of Caerleon Castle.
1295
Gilbert de Clare (Gilbert the Red) died.
1315
Castle and town of Caerleon delivered to Matilda, wife of the
late Gilbert de Clare.
1322
Hugh le Despenser the Younger gifted the town and Castle.
1326
Despenser executed and his lands seized by the crown.
1466
William Herbert, First Earl of Pembroke, appointed Steward of
the King's Lordship of Usk and Caerleon, and Constable of the
Castles of Usk and Caerleon.
1595
Henry Herbert, Second Earl of Pembroke.
1603
William Herbert, Third Earl of Pembroke.
1683
Philip Herbert, Seventh Earl of Pembroke, died.
1722
Thomas, Viscount Windsor, (son-in-law of Philip Herbert) sold
the lordship of Caerleon to John Burgh. By this time the manorial
rights were greatly eroded.
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