Pete
07-06-2005, 12:04 PM
Here's a little trip I took today to Llandovery Castle in South Wales.
I know how you Colonials can't get enough of our culture...so knock yourselves out with this!
Here's the Strom pictured with the remains of the Castle in the background!
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs40.jpg
In 1116, the Norman Richard Fitz Pons began construction of the motte and bailey, then known as the "castle of Cantref Bychan." Shortly thereafter, the Welsh, led by Gruffydd ap Rhys, attacked and destroyed the outer bailey. However, the Normans retained control of the castle until 1158, when the Lord Rhys successfully seized it from owner Walter Clifford.
Over the next several years, control of Llandovery Castle not only alternated between the Welsh and the English, but the heirs of theLord Rhys (including Rhys Gryg and Maelgwyn) also fought each other for command of their father's possessions.
In 1277, Llandovery Castle finally fell to Edward I, and the English monarchs continued to control the stronghold until its demise, with the brief exception of a few months in 1282 when Llywelyn the Last captured the castle.
And prepare to meet Llewellyn the Last....as this imposing figure (about 20 foot tall) was built in his honour.
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs42.jpg
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs43.jpg
He wants a nice V-Strom he does! So I gave him one to look at!
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs45.jpg
Much of Llandovery Castle's surviving masonry dates to the refortification that occurred after Llywelyn's death. Then, Edward I encouraged John Giffard to strengthen Llandovery Castle in order to secure it from further Welsh attacks. Giffard added a stone curtain wall (of which little has survived) and the impressive D-shaped tower which, although greatly ruined, still dominates the site.
The tower retains a garderobe (latrine) at first floor level. Traces of a twin-towered gatehouse are also visible, as are the grass- covered foundations of other structures , probably domestic buildings like a hall or the kitchen range, which dominated the bailey.
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs44.jpg
After 1282, little else of historic consequence occurred at the castle. Though neglected from then onward, Llandovery Castle was strong enough to be targeted by Owain Glyndwr during his rebellion in the early 1400's.
But, after Cromwell's victory in the English Civil War, the ageing stronghold was slighted and rendered completely useless.
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs46.jpg
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs47.jpg
Today, Llandovery Castle steadfastly guards the River Bran and its attractive village. It is freely accessible at all times, and makes an enjoyable stop on any drive across South Wales.
Hope you enjoyed the report!
I know how you Colonials can't get enough of our culture...so knock yourselves out with this!
Here's the Strom pictured with the remains of the Castle in the background!
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs40.jpg
In 1116, the Norman Richard Fitz Pons began construction of the motte and bailey, then known as the "castle of Cantref Bychan." Shortly thereafter, the Welsh, led by Gruffydd ap Rhys, attacked and destroyed the outer bailey. However, the Normans retained control of the castle until 1158, when the Lord Rhys successfully seized it from owner Walter Clifford.
Over the next several years, control of Llandovery Castle not only alternated between the Welsh and the English, but the heirs of theLord Rhys (including Rhys Gryg and Maelgwyn) also fought each other for command of their father's possessions.
In 1277, Llandovery Castle finally fell to Edward I, and the English monarchs continued to control the stronghold until its demise, with the brief exception of a few months in 1282 when Llywelyn the Last captured the castle.
And prepare to meet Llewellyn the Last....as this imposing figure (about 20 foot tall) was built in his honour.
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs42.jpg
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs43.jpg
He wants a nice V-Strom he does! So I gave him one to look at!
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs45.jpg
Much of Llandovery Castle's surviving masonry dates to the refortification that occurred after Llywelyn's death. Then, Edward I encouraged John Giffard to strengthen Llandovery Castle in order to secure it from further Welsh attacks. Giffard added a stone curtain wall (of which little has survived) and the impressive D-shaped tower which, although greatly ruined, still dominates the site.
The tower retains a garderobe (latrine) at first floor level. Traces of a twin-towered gatehouse are also visible, as are the grass- covered foundations of other structures , probably domestic buildings like a hall or the kitchen range, which dominated the bailey.
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs44.jpg
After 1282, little else of historic consequence occurred at the castle. Though neglected from then onward, Llandovery Castle was strong enough to be targeted by Owain Glyndwr during his rebellion in the early 1400's.
But, after Cromwell's victory in the English Civil War, the ageing stronghold was slighted and rendered completely useless.
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs46.jpg
http://www.maximumbikes.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/vs47.jpg
Today, Llandovery Castle steadfastly guards the River Bran and its attractive village. It is freely accessible at all times, and makes an enjoyable stop on any drive across South Wales.
Hope you enjoyed the report!