Caerleon Castle

Caerleon Castle is a ruined Norman castle in the town of Caerleon, now part of Newport in South Wales. It stands as one of the oldest and largest motte-and-bailey castles in southern Wales. The site lies at the heart of Caerleon, surrounded by modern streets and buildings. The castle’s history reflects centuries of conflict between Normans and Welsh princes. Built around 1085 by Robert de Chandos, it changed hands many times. After attacks by Morgan and Iorwerth ab Owain, it was rebuilt in stone by William Marshal in the early 13th century. Destroyed by Llywelyn the Great in 1231, it was later restored and then fell into ruin. Parts were quarried for stone, and a grand house now occupies part of the site. Visitors see a large earthen mound rising nearly 30 metres high, topped with trees. The mound sits above the remains of a Roman bathhouse and is surrounded by a walled garden. Nearby stands the Grade II* listed Hanbury Tower, a 13th-century round tower built partly with stones from the Roman town. It stands close to an old pub, after which it is named. The tower once formed part of the outer defences, which covered an area of 150 by 50 metres.