Builth Castle

Builth Castle stands on a grassy mound just outside Builth Wells in Powys, Wales. It was once a strong stone fortress built by King Edward I in the 13th century. The site began as a smaller motte-and-bailey castle surrounded by earthworks. These older defences had been fought over by Normans and Welsh for decades. After destruction in 1260, Edward I rebuilt it as a royal castle starting in 1277. Construction stopped in 1282 when money ran short and the king turned his attention elsewhere. The castle played a key part in several conflicts. It was besieged in 1294 during Madog ap Llywelyn’s revolt. Later, it became a prize among nobles and kings. Edward I gave it to his son, the future Edward II, who in turn granted it to his wife Isabella. She rented it back to Roger Mortimer, who gained control of the castle through political schemes. After Edward III overthrew Mortimer, the castle passed through several powerful hands. The Black Prince took charge in the 14th century and kept Mortimer’s family as tenants. Today, only the earthworks remain. The mound, deep ditches and high embankments still show the castle’s original shape. The stone walls have long since been taken away by local people for building homes. Visitors walk around the raised platform and imagine the wooden palisade that once enclosed the site. The remains stretch about 270 yards along the perimeter. From the top, views stretch over the town and the surrounding countryside. It is a quiet place where history can still be felt in the earth beneath the feet.