Oystermouth Castle

Oystermouth Castle stands on a ridge above Swansea Bay on the Gower Peninsula. Built by the Normans soon after 1106, it replaced an earlier Welsh fort called Caer Tawy. The first stone castle was raised by William de Londres, then rebuilt after Welsh attacks in 1116 and 1137. Later John de Braose restored it in stone during the 13th century, adding a curtain wall, chapel, basements and three-storey living quarters. By the late 1200s it had become the main residence of the de Braose lords. The castle’s best-preserved feature is Alina’s Chapel on the second floor. Aline de Breos improved the chapel in the early 14th century, and recent conservation work uncovered medieval wall paintings over 700 years old. Experts from Cadw found traces of a double-arched canopy with angel figures, including a wing with detailed feathers and a haloed head with yellow hair. Edward I visited briefly in 1284, and the castle passed through marriage to the Mowbrays, Herberts and Somersets. Visitors today walk along the high curtain wall and enter the gatehouse where two round towers were once planned. A glass viewing platform and bridge lead to the restored chapel, and the ridge offers wide views over Swansea Bay. The castle is now cared for by Swansea council and remains a quiet witness to centuries of Welsh and Norman history.