Pembroke Castle

Photo taken 20th December 2019. Me walking to the castle.

Pembroke Castle was built by Amulf de Montgomery in 1093 during the Norman invasion of Wales. The castle is situated on a crest between two arms of the south Pembrokeshire shoreline and has been home to kings, knights and the birth place of Henry VII in 1457 (founder of the Tudor Dynasty). The tower he was born in is called ‘Henry VII tower’.

Enactment of King Henry VII birth inside the King Henry VII Tower. Photo was taken 20th December 2019.

Almost a century after its initial fortification, in 1189, Richard I put the castle under the charge of William Marshall, 1st Earl of Pembroke (1146 or 1147 – 14 May 1219). Marshall, also known as ‘William the Marshall’, was knighted in 1166 and was one of the greatest knights of the time. For the next 30 years, he transformed the castle from earth and timber into a formidable stone fort.

Top of the castle overlooking Milford Haven in the distance.

The keep standing at nearly 80 feet high. On the second floor of the keep, the main room has two windows adorned externally with dog tooth moulding (a pattern of four flower petals) and a carved head.
Apart from the corridors, all the rooms in the Castle are circular.

The castle is the only one in Britain to be erected over a natural cavern, known as the ‘Wogan’.

This cave is known as ‘Wogan’. Photo taken 20th December 2019.

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Western Hall, may be of interest to ghost hunters as many apparitions have been sighted in this tower.

Nowadays you can enjoy tours around the castle and you may even spot a ghost or two in the Western Hall tower.

Activities at the castle include, Knight school – a fun event that will put you through your paces. Living history. Keepers of the castle – taking you through amusing romps about the castle’s history. Dragon day – a celebration of the welsh dragons. Black mountain falconry – great falconry with audience involvement. Have a look at some of the dates and events on the Pembroke castle site Events & Activities

Pembroke castle is open to the public all year round. Closed 24 – 26 December and 1st January.

There is a gift shop, cafe, toilets and car park.

Admission prices – Prices

Attractions in Pembrokeshire

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