The list below gives a partial documentary chronology of the Castles of Wales, roughly from the advent of the Normans to the downfall of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, listing first Welsh, then Norman castles. While this chronology can be used as a helpful guideline, it should not be considered complete. All references refer to year unless otherwise stated. To search for a particular castle, simply use the "find" command from your browser. Many thanks to Paul for providing this valuable resource.

The Welsh Castles

1106 [s.a.1105] Hywel ap Goronwy killed at Rhyd y Gors [Ritcors], AC, 33

1116 Cymer (Kymher/Vedrith quod est Kymmer), Meirionydd, of Uchdryd ab Edwin, built and burnt by Einion ap Cadwgan and Gruffydd ap Maredudd [R.B.H. & A.C.]

c.1130 Cilsant, in St Clears, castle of son of Bleddri ap Cedifor [Rowlands, I.W., 'The Making of the March... of Dyfed', Proc. Battle Conference III (1980), 151]

1143 Cadwaladr's castle of Aberystwyth (Aber Ystwyth) burnt [R.B.H.]

1146 Llanstephan (Llann Ystyffant) defended by Maredudd ap Gruffydd, castle embrasures [R.B.H.]

1147 Cynfael (Chynuael) castle, built earlier by Cadwaladr, taken [R.B.H.]

1149 Owain ap Gruffydd ap Cynan built castle in Ial, probably Tomen y Rhodwydd [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1151]

1149 Llanrhystud (Llan Rystut/Llan Ristut) built by Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1151]

1149 Oswestry (Croes Oswalt) built by Madog ap Maredudd [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1151]

1150 Carmarthen (Caer Vyrdin) repaired by Cadell ap Gruffydd [R.B.H.]

1150 Castle of Cadfan ap Cadwaladr seized by Hywel ab Owain [R.B.H.]

1151 Pen-gwern (Ren Gwern) in Llanfihangel (Llan Vihagel) of Hywel ab Owain held [R.B.H. = Castell Gwallter, Pen., 178n]

1151 Llanrhystud (Llan Rystut/Llan Restut) taken from Hywel ab Owain by sons of Gruffydd ap Rhys, and then retaken by Hywel ab Owain [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1154]

1151 Ystrad Meurig (Ystrat Meuryc/Estrat Meuric) repaired/rebuilt by sons of Gruffydd [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1154, n.9]

1151 Lougher (Aber Llychwr/Lychur) destroyed by sons of Gruffydd [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1154]

1151 Dinefwr (Dinwileir/Dinehwr) repaired by sons of Gruffydd [R.B.H. & Pen., 178n]

1151 Humfrey's (Hwmffre) in valley of Clettwr repaired by Hywel ab Owain [R.B.H. = Hywel's Castle, Pen., 178n]

1153 Hywel ab Owain's castle in Penweddig (Penwedic) taken by sons of Gruffydd [R.B.H.]

1156 Aberdyfi (Aber Dyui/Aberdewi) built by Rhys [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1157]

1156 Castle built in Caereinion near Cymer (Kymer) by Madog ap Maredudd [R.B.H.]

1157 Castle of Ial (Tomen y Rhodwydd?) burnt by Iorwerth Goch [R.B.H.]

1157 Owain Gwynedd & sons came with army to Basingwerk (Dinas Bassing castra) and built a wall there [AC s.a.1158]

1158 Cadwaladr f Gruffydd & Hywel & Conan f Owain built a castle at (Denweileir) [AC s.a.1160]

1162 Tafolwern (Dafalwern) in Cyfeiliog taken by Hywel ab Ieuaf [R.B.H.]

1162 Tafolwern (Dafalwern) repaired by Owain Gwynedd [R.B.H.]

1162 Tafolwern (Walwerin) taken by Rhys ap Gruffydd [AC s.a.1163] (before Dinweilir & Llandovery)

1166 Cilgerran (Kilgerann) attacked by Flemings twice [R.B.H.]

1167 Tafolwern (Davalwern/Walwern) taken from Owain Cyfeiliog by Owain & Cadwaladr of Gwynedd and Rhys and given to Rhys [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1168]

1167 Caereinion (Gaer Einawn/Kereinaun), the same but given to Owain ap Madog ap Maredudd of Powys. Later destroyed by Owain Cyfeiliog and the French [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1168]

1168 (Aberynaun) built by Rhys [A.C. s.a.1169]

1168 Chirk fortified by Iorwerth Goch for King [P.R., 14 Henry II, 110]

1171 Cardigan (Aberteiui/Abertewi) built in stone by Rhys [R.B.H. & A.C., s.a.1172]

1175 Caerleon (Caer Llion) taken from Hywel ab Iorwerth ab Owain [R.B.H.]

1175 Caerleon (Caer Llion) returned to Iorwerth ab Owain [R.B.H.]

1175 Court (lys) of Seisyll ap Dyfnwal [R.B.H.]

1177 Rhaeadr-gwy (Rayadyr Gwy) built by Rhys [R.B.H.]

c.1180 Briton Ferry built by Morgan ap Caradog ab Iestyn [Merrick, Rice, A Booke of Glamorganshire Antiquities, ed. B.L. Barry, 1983, 109, Nos. XXI, XXVIII]

1184 Rhaeadr-gwy (Raiadr) [Monasticon V, 622]

1184/5 (Lannaneueri) of Rhys ap Gruffydd [Gir. Camb., IV, 100-1]

1187 Carreg Hwfa (Karec Oua), as a castle [R.B.H., but note Pen., 188n]

1188 Radnor (Radenoura), Crug Eryr (Crukeri), Rhaeadr-gwy (Raiderque), Caernarvon (Castrum de Arvon), Garn Fadryn (Karnmadrun), Deudraeth (Deutraeth), Rhuddlan, Dinas Emrys (Dynas Emereis), Degannwy, Dinefwr (Dynevur), Caerleon [Gir. Camb., VI, 13-8, 60-1, 123-4, 133, 137, 172, 176]

1189 New Castle Bridgend held by Morgan ap Caradog of Afan [Cartae Glam. II, 291, Nos. CCLXXXVII & 392, CCCXCVIII]

1189 Dinefwr (Dinewr) of Rhys ap Gruffydd [A.C.]

1190 Cedweli (Kerweli) built by Rhys [R.B.H.]

1192 Cardigan (Abertawi) [A.C.]

1192 Dinefwr (Dynnevore) [C.W., 29]

1193 Ystrad Meurig (Ystrat Meuryc) taken by Rhys ap Maelgwn [R.B.H.]

1193 Lawhaden (Llannyhadein/Lanwaden or Lanamdeuery) abandoned by sons of Rhys [R.B.H. & A.C.]

1194 Ystrad Meurig (Ystrat Meuryc) given by Maelgwn ap Rhys to his brother [R.B.H.]

1194 Rhaeadr-gwy (Rayadyr Gwy) rebuilt by Rhys 2nd time and again destroyed by sons of Cadwallon [R.B.H.]

1194 Dafydd ab Owain held 3 castles [R.B.H.]

1194 Carreg Hwfa (Carraghofa) strengthened by Maredudd ap Roger of Powis [P.R., 6 Richard I, 142]

1195 Dinefwr (Dinefwr) and Llandovery (chastell y Cantref Bychan) taken by Rhys and Maredudd ap Rhys [R.B.H.]

1195 Ystrad Meurig (Ystrat Meuruc) [R.B.H.]

1195 Wizo's Castle (Wiz) taken [A.C.]

1195 St Clears (Sancti Clari) taken [A.C.]

1195 Nevern (Newer) [A.C.]

1196 Welshpool (Trallwg) taken and retaken, first by mining [R.B.H.]

1197 Aberystwyth (Aber Ystwyth) seized by Gwenwynwyn and Maelgwn ap Rhys, [R.B.H.]

1197 Gelligaer (castrum de Cadwalan) [P.R., 9 Richard I, 195]

1198 Cardigan (Aber Teiui) and Ystrad Meurig (Ystrat Meuruc) seized by Maelgwn ap Rhys [R.B.H.]

1198 Dinefwr (Dinefwr) taken by youngest sons of Rhys [R.B.H.]

1198 Llanfair Rhyd Castell (Voelas) granted to Aberconwy by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth [Gresham, C.A., 'The Aberconwy Charter', Arch. Camb. XCIV [1939], 144]

1199 Dineirth (Dineirth), built by Gruffydd ap Rhys was taken by Maelgwn ap Rhys [R.B.H.]

1199 Cilgerran (Kilgeran) taken by Gruffydd ap Rhys [R.B.H.]

1200 Cardigan (Aber Teiui/Abeteyui) sold by Welsh [R.B.H. & A.C.]

1201 Llandovery (Llanymdyfri/Cantrefbechan) passed from Maredudd ap Rhys to Gruffydd his brother [R.B.H. & AC]

1201 Cilgerran (Kilgerran) taken [A.C.]

1202 Bala (Bala) taken by Llywelyn from Elise ap Madog, who was only left with one castle [R.B.H.]

1202 Llandovery (Llanymdyfri/Llanamdewri) taken by Rhys Ieuanc [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1201]

1202 Crogen, [R.B.H.]

1203 Llanegwad (Llanegywat) taken by Rhys Ieuanc [R.B.H.]

1203 Llandovery (Llanymdyfri) and Llangadog (Llangadawc) fell to Maelgwn ap Rhys and Gwenwynwyn [R.B.H.]

1203 Dineirth (Dineirth) completed [R.B.H.]

1204 Dinefwr (Dinefwr) and Llandovery (Llanymdiffri) taken from Maelgwn ap Rhys by sons of Gruffydd [R.B.H.]

1204 Cilgerran (Chilgerran/Kilgerran) taken by Walter Marshal [R.B.H. & A.C.]

1205 Llangadog (Luchewein) burnt by Rhys Parvus and the French [A.C.]

1206 Abereinion (Aber Einawn) built by Maelgwn ap Rhys [R.B.H.]

1208 Ystrad Meurig (Ystrat Meuruc) thrown to ground, Dineirth and Aberystwyth burnt for fear of Llywelyn, who then rebuilt Aberystwyth [R.B.H.]

1208 Llangadog (Llan Gadawc/Luchewein) taken by Rhys Fychan, despite having been given Dinefwr by sons of Gruffydd [R.B.H. & A.C.]

1209 Llangadog (Llan Gadawc) burned by sons of Gruffydd [R.B.H.]

1210 Degannwy destroyed by Llywelyn in face of English army [R.B.H.]

1210 Llandovery (Llanymdyfri) surrendered to royalist Rhys Gryg [R.B.H.]

1213 Dinefwr (Dinefwr/Denewr) attacked and taken by Rhys Ieuanc, despite furious resistance from one twr, which later surrendered. Llandovery (Llannymdyfri/Lanam Deweri) soon followed suit [R.B.H. & A.C.]

1213 New Castle Bridgend, Leisan ap Morgan still lord of [Glamorgan County History III, 39]

1216 Cilgerran (Kilgerrann) and of Ystrad Tywi the castle of Llandovery (Llannymdyfri) to Maelgwn ap Rhys. Castles of Cardigan (Aber Yeiui) and Nant-yr-arian (Nant yr Aryant) to sons of Gruffydd [R.B.H.]

1217 Caerleon (Chaer Llion) seized by Walter Marshal [R.B.H.]

1217 All castles of Gower destroyed and English expelled [R.B.H. & A.C.]

1220 Dinefwr 'dismantled' [C.A.C.W., 24]

1221 Llywelyn began to build a castle in Meirionydd, probably Y Bere [R.B.H.]

1221 Aberystwyth (Aberestwyth) taken from Rhys Ieuanc by Llywelyn [R.B.H.]

1223 Cardigan (Aberteiui/Aberteiui) and Carmarthen (Caer Vyrdin/Kermerdin) taken by William Marshal without resistance [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1221]

1223 Carmarthen rebuilt, Cilgerran (Kilgerrann/Kilgarran) rebuilt [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1221]

1225 Kinnerley (Kynardsley) held by Llywelyn [Rot. Lit. Claus., 570]

1227 Llandovery (Llannymdyfri) [R.B.H.]

1231 Castle of Rhys ap Bleddri [Ep. Acts I, 363]

1233 Trefilan (Trefilann/Trefilan) completed by Maelgwn Fychan, which his father Maelgwn had commenced [R.B.H. & A.C. s.a.1234]

c.1235 Morgraig commenced [Trans. Cardiff Nat. Soc. XXXVIII, 20-58]

1236 Machein (Meichein) taken from Morgan ap Hywel by Gilbert, Earl of Pembroke, but he restored it for fear of Llywelyn [R.B.H.]

1239 Cricieth (Kruceith) [R.B.H.]

1240 Kinnerley (Kinnersley), order to seize [C.C.R. 1237-42, 207]

1240 Cardigan (Aberteiui/edificavit turrim de Cardigan) refortified by Walter Marshal [R.B.H. & A.C. n.4]

1241 Degannwy (Degannoe) handed over to King Henry [AC]

1242 (Garth Grugyn/Garthgrugyn) fortified by Maelgwn Fychan [R.B.H. & A.C.]

1245/6 The castle which was Morgan Gam's [A.C.]

1245 Dryslwyn (Deresloyn) besieged [A.C. s.a.1246, n.1]

1246 Dinefwr [C.P.R. 1232-47, ]

1248 Carreg Cennen (Caric Kennenn) regained by Rhys Fychan after it had been treacherously lost by his mother [R.B.H.]

1256 Ewloe begun [P.R.O. Chester 29/23 m.48]; Llywelyn ap Gruffydd broke down the enclosure of the park [of Eulowe] and in the same place built a castle still [1316] situated there [CAPW, 93]

1257 Welshpool (Trallwg/Trallug) mentioned, Bydydon near Llanfyllin (Bydydon/Bodedon) destroyed [R.B.H. & A.C.]

1257 Dinefwr, Dryslwyn, Llandovery, Carreg Cennen, New Castle Emlyn [C.Ch.R.]

1259 Dinefwr (Dinewour/probably an error for Dryslwyn?), New Castle Emlyn (Castelh Nowid) of Maredudd ap Rhys, and Cricieth (Crukeid) [A.C.]

1265 New Castle Emlyn (Emelin) of Maredudd ap Rhys [C.C.R. 1264-68, 95]

1271 Rhyd y Bryw (Rid briw) [Lit. Wal., 29, 216]

1271 Dryslwyn, Dinefwr [R.B.H.]

1273 Brecon attacked [C.C.R. 1272-79, 56]

1273 Dolforwyn (Bachyranneleu) begun [Lit. Wal., No. 25]

1274 Dolforwyn (Dolvorwyn). Welshpool (Trallwg) burned and destroyed to the ground [R.B.H.]

1274 Forden (Wythegruc) occupied by Llywelyn? [Rot. Hund. II, 90]

1277 Dolforwyn (Doluorwyn) surrendered [R.B.H.]

1277 Dinefwr [Lit. Wal., 36]

1277 Dinas Bran, towers and walls mentioned [C.A.C.W., 83]

1277 Dinefwr, Carreg Cennen, Llandovery [C.P.R. 1272-79]

1277 New Castle Emlyn [C.A.C.W.]

1281 Dryslwyn (Tryslugn) [Lit. Wal., No. 200]

1283 Dinefwr [Lit. Wal., 122]

1283-1307 mention of Gwyn ap Gronow of Englefield (Flints) who held the bailiwick of the town of Vaynol (Faenol) & had suffered in his loyal service to the king in the wars [CAPW., 64]

1282 Dinas Bran captured [Cal. Chancery R., 240]

1284 Dolwyddelan turrim [Lit. Wal., No.319]

1287 Rhys ap Maredudd held the new castle in Emelyn (Novum Castrum) until he rose in war, 1318-9 [CAPW., 71; AC]

1287 Dryslwyn (Deresloyn) besieged, [AC]

The Norman Castles