Colwyn Castle

Colwyn Castle was a medieval stronghold near Builth Wells in Wales. It stood on the site of a Roman fort in the Manor of Glascwm, Radnorshire. The first castle was built in 1093 by Raoul II of Tosny and changed hands many times. Rhys ap Gruffydd captured and destroyed it in 1196 during his campaign against the Normans. Henry III rebuilt the castle in 1215, and Ralph de Mortimer rebuilt it again in 1242. The castle was finally abandoned in the 14th century. The castle site lies on the A481 road in Powys, about five miles east of Builth Wells. It stands near the small settlement of Hundred House and is around nine miles from New Radnor. The site is at about 210 metres above sea level with views of the River Edw to the north and mountains to the south. The outer entrenchments of the castle remain in place today. A farmhouse now occupies the site where the castle once stood. Visitors to the site find a quiet farmhouse surrounded by the remains of the castle’s outer defences. The earthworks of the motte-and-bailey can still be traced. The location offers views across the countryside towards the River Edw and the distant mountains. The setting is peaceful, with only the occasional passing vehicle on the nearby road. The farmhouse blends into the landscape, making it easy to imagine the castle’s past importance. The site is a reminder of the shifting power struggles between Normans and Welsh rulers in the 12th and 13th centuries.