 Raglan Castle
One of the most splendid late medieval buildings in Britain, Raglan Castle
was among the last of the 'true' castles to be built. This magnificent
and extremely powerful looking structure dates from the mid 15th century,
and has a distinct French influence in both the design and architecture.
It is thought likely that the site developed from much
simpler origins, with perhaps a 'motte and bailey' type
fortification in the 11th century, which then gave way to a family manor
house until the late 14th century. Soon after this time,
Raglan Castle came to William ap Thomas (through marriage), who had made a
name for himself fighting with King Henry V in France, and it is mainly
his remodelling of the property into such a palatial fortress that remains today.
Every aspect of the castle was built to impress, both socially and militarily to underline
the power and influence held by, the now, Sir William. The main building
attributed to him is the Great Tower (Keep), a self-contained and elaborate
fortress, its grandeur somewhat diminished as a result of persistent,
heavy battering during the Civil War when the top floor was demolished,
and the walls partially collapsed. Only fragmentary evidence survives
of the apron wall, originally containing six corner turrets, built by
Sir William's son to further defend his father's Keep.
From inside Raglan Castle, there
is still a very impressive view of the rear of the Gatehouse range,
and the Closet Tower, which is likely to have housed the prison in its
basement. Other buildings surviving from Sir William's time are the
South Gate (formerly the main entrance to Raglan Castle), the Great Gatehouse
which became the well-defended main entrance with porters' lodges on
the ground floor, and parts of the Hall - rebuilt in the second half
of the 16th century, but incorporating some of the earlier walls.
With a final flourish of architectural splendour, a major rebuilding programme was
carried out by the new owners of Raglan Castle. The Somerset family, who
still own the building today, extended and enhanced the castle with beautiful
red sandstone blocks - in contrast to the pale yellow stone used in the
earlier constructions. Tudor houses customarily had a Long Gallery, and
the remains of the one built at Raglan Castle require a good deal of imagination
to picture just how magnificent a room this once appeared. Sumptuously
decorated, and with enormous windows providing a spectacular view across
the hills. Contrasting with this lavish style, is the 16th
century Hall, one of the most complete apartments now existing in Raglan Castle.
An exploration of Raglan Castle requires plenty of time in which to appreciate the vast amount
of detail amongst the many ruinous buildings, and the various architectural
styles employed over the main building periods. When we last visited,
the entire surface of the moat was blanketed with the most amazing display
of water lilies which really brought life and colour to this delightful castle. |
