 Llawhaden Castle
In the early 12th century, the full wealth and power of the Bishops of
St Davids was clearly demonstrated by the properties they built or acquired.
Three impressive palaces were erected to accommodate their grand lifestyle,
all fortified, but Llawhaden was the only one that truly resembled a castle.
Originally, little more than an earthwork enclosure surrounded by a moat, the palace
was captured and destroyed by Lord Rhys in 1192. Within a couple of years
Llawhaden Castle had been recovered by the Bishop, and re-building in
stone began almost immediately. Following the line of the old earthworks,
a curtain wall was erected to replace the wooden stockade, with semi-circular
towers being placed at regular intervals along its length. During the
latter part of the 13th century Llawhaden Castle was converted and extended into
a prestigious palace for Bishop Thomas Bek, and his work formed the foundation
for later additions.
The trend for transforming
these modest strongholds into lavish, fortified mansions continued into
the 14th century, and most of today's visible remains was built for
Bishop David Martyn. When completed, the castle-cum-palace provided
comfortable private apartments for the Bishop, numerous guest rooms,
entertaining halls, a bakehouse, and living accommodation for a garrison.
A massive gatehouse, constructed in the late 14th century, was the last
major building project at Llawhaden Caslte, and this has survived to its full
height, although much decayed internally.
With the Dissolution of the Monasteries came the changing fortunes of
the bishops. Their palaces were deserted, and Llawhaden Castle has stood
in neglected silence since the 16th century. Despite its extensive use
as a local quarry over the centuries, some walls remain to a good height
and a substantial earthwork, 70ft (21.2m) wide by some 25ft (7.6m) deep, clearly delineates
the original moat. Despite the fact that this strange arrangement of ruins
are devoid of any detailed work, the sheer size of the site conjures up
pictures of wealth and splendour almost unimaginable some seven hundred
years ago. |
