Swansea Bay has many castles to explore and get a close-up look at real history. Some are supposedly haunted, others are still home to living inhabitant; some are slightyly ruined, others in tip-top condition. One thing is true for all: they are a fun way to learn about the history of this fascinating part of Wales. For more information on the castles of Swansea and Swansea Bay, visit www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Swansea Castle
Here is where Swansea all began - almost an entire millennium ago, in the shadow of Bishop Henry de Gower's ornate Swansea Castle. Originally a centre of administration as well as residence, the present building sustained and survived heavy attacks from Welsh hero Prince Owain Glyndwr in the fourteenth Century. By the Nineteen Century the castle was still in use - as a debtor's prison! Today, the surviving tower stands defiantly at the heart of city life, dominating Castle Square's amphitheatre and fountains where the original city market traded over five hundred years ago.
Oystermouth Castle
Originally named Ystumllwynarth by the Welsh, Oystermouth stands to its original height as one of the best preserved castles in Wales. The present structure is a large 12th Century Norman stronghold restructured in 1215 following destructive Welsh attacks. Patronised by Edward I in 1284, Oystermouth commands magnificent views overlooking Swansea Bay and Mumbles from the west. Famous for its exquisite 14th Century chapel windows, Oystermouth provides an imposing and atmospheric backdrop for opera and Shakespearean performances in the summer months.
Weobly Castle
Fortified manor house clinging to the mists of the Llanrhidian salt marsh which rise from the north Gower coast. Contains an impressive layout of integral chambers centred around a stone courtyard and a stately banqueting hall dominated by an oak gallery. The late 13th Century construction was initiated by David de la Bere, a powerful steward with connections to the de Braose lords of Gower situated at Swansea Castle.
Oxwich Castle
Named after the Gower bay which shares its name, this is another Swansea castle with panoramic sea views. Oxwich is located in a woodland area and was constructed in the courtyard style for the Mansel family during the Tudor dynasty (16th Century). The castle features an extraordinary six storey tower block which once accomodated servants and a circular Dovecote feature. An integrated exhibition interprets the complete history of Welsh castles, the finest collection of medieval stone settlements in the world.
Pennard Castle
Perched high on a cliff above magnificent Three Cliffs Bay in southern Gower, the distinctive silhouette of 12th Century Pennard Castle radiates charm and enigma, not least due to an archaic Welsh legend about a fairy king who blew the castle away in a sandstorm! Perhaps there is some truth in the old Welsh tale - the castle was indeed abandoned in the fourteenth century by the de Mowbray family. This was due to irrepairable sand damage!
Penrice Castle
The largest castle on Gower peninsular was built for Henry de Beaumont in the early thirteenth century and later passed on to a family of knights who named it Penres. The ivy clad walls conceal the secrets of an unlit basement and large curtain wall. A complete round tower, which is still habitable, stands guard at the entrance to Oxwich village.
Loughor Castle
Constructed by the Normans and established on the original Roman fort of Leucarum. In 1151 the Welsh burnt the estuary castle to avenge the murder of the King of Wales. Seventy years later saw a refurbishment of Loughor after the stronghold was given as a gesture of peace to John de Braose, the son in law of Welsh prince Llywelyn ab Iorwerth. One tower survives which probably existed as the castle keep. In spite of the continued ransackes on the castle, delicate 12th Century pottery has been discovered at the site.