St Quentin’s Castle

One of the Best Places To Visits in Cowbridge Frequently mentioned in reviews: Top-rated.online cuts through the clutter, highlighting only the reviews that are most helpful, earn the most likes, or come from the most active contributors. St Quintins Castle is located in the village of Llanblethian, Cowbridge, Wales. It is a scheduled monument and a Grade II* listed building and is under the care of Cadw. The was first occupied with a defensive structure in about 1102 and the and further building work took place around 1312. It was later used as a prison and was reported as being in a ruinous state by 1741. Around 1102 Robert Fitzhamon, the first Norman Lord of Glamorgan bequeathed the lands of Llanblethian as a lordship to Herbert de St Quentin who is thought to have built the first fortification at the of the castle. This initial construct was believed to have been a simple ringwork defence with timber walls, a bank and ditch. A rectangular stone keep was built in the late 12th century, whose remains can now be found within the later gatehouse. This keep may have replaced a similar wooden structure. The lordship remained with the St Quentin family until 1233 when the land was seized by Richard Siward, but he then lost it to Earl Richard de Clare in 1245. Richard de Clare seized large areas of this part of Glamorganshire, from Cowbridge to Llantrisant, but it was his grandson, Earl Gilbert de Clare, who began to build the stone structure of St Quintins which stands today. This was thought to have been roughly after 1307, but Gilbert de Clare was killed in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 before the was completed. Modern historians believe that the lack of inner courtyard buildings and the weakness of the curtain wall points to the hypothesis that the was never fully completed. The itself is a rectangular stone walled enclosure, roughly 64 metres East to West. The walls are roughly 120 centimetres in thickness. It is set on a spur above steep slopes on all sides apart from the East side. The weak East of the fortification is protected by a twin-tower and a further two towers East entrance facade. The best defensive is the southern which falls away sharply to the River Thaw. It was reported as being ruinous by 1741. #stquintinscastle #cowbridge ruins. Not busy, you can park and around a bit. Ruined remains of a 14th-century castle Probably built by English nobleman and military commander Gilbert de Clare in the early 14th century. Still visible twin-towered and high stretch of curtain wall on the north of the site. In the centre of what was once a large fortress is an earthen mound with the remains of a thick-walled building on top of it, which may be all that’s left of an earlier keep. Generally not much to explore but keep in good condition so to spent a time wandering around. Free to access. Gates open 7days a week until 4PM. An Amazing structure. We were able to climb the spiral staircase and look at the over the surrounding areas. The is small, but the boarder are clearly marked. A little ruin, ideal for a picnic in the sunshine. Car park is right next to the with adequate litter bins at the entrance. A little more information would be but we enjoyed our visit. Worth popping in if you are in the area. You don't need to buy tickets to enter. There is a small car park and you can around the grounds. Not very wheelchair friendly, however there is plenty to see here. You can climb up the and see some great views. There is a by a nearby river which is very scenic. Easy to find and plenty of laid out gravel paths to follow. There are interesting signs about the history for the as well. Good spot for a picnic. little if you are in the area for a short stay or perhaps a picnic... A few car parking spaces off the road. We liked the story telling machine that you had to turn the handle to listen to, it was a good idea. Beautiful serene 14th century ruins on a hill overlooking Cowbridge. The is well maintained by Cadw and has a tiny car park, alternatively its a steep but 15 minute from the High Street. There is a walkway in the so you can enjoy the views. place to spend 30 minutes plus good walks. Impressive but not much else. All locked up at 2:00 pm on a Tuesday A small but interesting set of ruins with fully intact gate house. You are able to to the top of the front gate via stairs on the right side. Site offers a manually operated voice information post. Highly recommend you listen to get a better concept of the time period and location. Good spot for picnics and is dog friendly. A if you are in the Cowbridge area. Really place to only took 5 minutes to around it. Fantastic- highly recommend little find for us Lovely old ruined castle, not much left to see but some lovely across the valleys behind it. Free to explore. If you're visiting the beautiful town of Cowbridge, the small, free ruins are worth visiting. There is a small car park, but be warned the access road is quite narrow. There are a few information boards around the site. Wonderful overlooking the surrounding countryside and a great place to go walking. What a hidden gem, lovely little close to a wonderful little town (Cowbridge) well worth a if you are in the area Amazing place to visit, parking on site, perfect for dog walkers. Unfortunately no access to the interior of the castle. little ruined and some great across the surrounding countryside. Unfortunately, the rooms either of the were locked, as was access to the raised walkway, above. A hidden gem in Cowbridge Beautiful place to with kids. Free to enter. Unfortunately the gates to access the upper levels of the were locked. 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