Oystermouth Castle, Swansea, Wales

1st April 2015

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1106 - William de Londres builds the castle following the capture of Gower by the Normans
1116 - Welsh retake Gower, William forced to flee the castle, which was burnt
Castle rebuilt shortly afterwards
1130s - castle destroyed again as a result of Welsh Princes of Dehubarth retook Gower
1203 - King John gave the castle to William de Braose I
1215 - Llywelyn the Great took the castle under Welsh rule
1220 - Welsh expelled from Gower, Henry III grants the castle to John de Braose
1284 - Edward I visits the castle
1287 - Rhys ap Maredudd, attacks Swansea and captures castle 
1298 - Alina de Braose marries John de Mowbray and so the castle is passed to the de Mowbray family
1403 - 1405 - Gower and Oystermouth castle occupied by Owain Glyndwr
1461 - Gower passed to Herbert family then Somerset family (ancestors to Dukes of Beaufort)
1600-1700s - castle falls into decline and ruin
1840s - some of castle restored by George Grant Francis for the Duke of Beaufort 

We spent the whole week looking at this castle from where we were staying and it definitely lived up to expectations. The castle is quite compact but there is lots to explore. You can walk along most of the curtain wall which gives you views across Mumbles Bay and Swansea. The famous chapel has been made accessible by a glass bridge and platform and the remnants of old wall paintings can be seen if you look hard enough. The ticket man was very interesting and informative and has written a book on the history of the castle. To the right of the ticket office is information panels about the restoration of the castle which was interesting. There are activities for children and events so check website before visit. The castle is only open from April – September.   

Owned by Swansea Council - entrance fee
Parking along Castle Avenue is very limited but there are several pay and display car parks in the area – we used the Quarry Car Park (there is also Dairy Car Park and Foreshore Car Park). 
Small shop
Dogs allowed

N & K

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