Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle or Castell Rhaglan is a magnificent late medieval castle located just north of the village of Raglan in the county of Monmouthshire in south east Wales. Its origins lie in the 12th century but the ruins visible today date from the 15th century and later. It is likely that the early castle followed the motte-and-bailey design. The peak of the power and splendour of the castle was attained in the 15th century and 16th century, as the Marches fortress of the great family of Herbert. The English Civil War brought about the castle’s ruin. Henry Somerset, the first Marquess of Worcester, was a staunch supporter of Charles the First, whom he entertained at the castle on two occasions. In 1646, the King’s fortunes were on the wane and the major towns and castles of England and Wales were in Parliamentarian hands. “Raglan and Pendennis in Cornwall, held on under siege. The fall of the City of Oxford released Parliamentarian forces to supplement the siege of the castle and, after many months, the Marquess was compelled to surrender to General Fairfax on 19 August 1646. A systematic slighting of the castle commenced and the Great Tower was largely destroyed by mining. Throughout the 18th century and 19th century, the castle was a picturesque ruin, and a convenient source of building materials for the local population. In the 20th century, the Dukes of Beaufort, the Marquesses of Worcester having been elevated yet again, placed the castle in the care of the state. The castle is currently looked after by Cadw. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp

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