







Guess who finally managed to visit Cerreg Cennen in the sunshine?





Located within the Brecon Beacons National Park, Carreg Cennen is an imposing presence that has been ruined since 1462. Protected by steep limestone cliffs, there's a natural cave beneath the castle that goes down into the hillside (guess who slid down it when visiting?)

The first masonry castle was built in the 12th Century (likely by Lord Rhys, who died in 1197), but the current castle was due to John Giffard, who was granted the castle by Edward I in 1283 after fighting for him in the battle where Llewelyn ap Gruffudd (the last official Prince of Wales) was slain.













In 1403 Owain Glyndwr (the last native Welshman to hold the title of Prince of Wale, and viewed by many as the unofficial king of Wales after instigating the Welsh Revolt in 1400 and assuming the ancestral title of Prince of Powys) and 800 men attached the castle. Whilst they caused damage to the walls, that's about all they managed.





In 1461 the castle became a Lancastrian stronghold, but was subsequently captured by Yorkist forces and demolished. Today the castle is privately owned but maintained by CADW.





Pictures taken April 2018



