Coordinates: 51°39′54″N 3°48′13″W / 51.6651°N 3.8037°W / 51.6651; -3.8037

Neath Castle

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File:Neath Castle - geograph.org.uk - 42391.jpg
Neath Castle

Neath Castle (Welsh: Castell Nedd) is a Norman castle located in the town centre of Neath, Wales. Its construction was begun by Robert, Earl of Gloucester, the nominal Lord of Glamorgan, at a date estimated between 1114 and 1130.[1][2] It is also referred to as "Granville's Castle", after Richard I de Grenville (or Granville or Glanville; died post 1142), Lord of Neath, who has also been credited with its construction.[3] The town of Neath takes its Welsh name, "Castell-nedd", from the castle.[4]

History

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The first castle in Neath was located west of the river[1] near the Roman fort of Nidum, and was a timber fortification in a motte and bailey structure.[5] When Richard de Grenville founded Neath Abbey close by, he abandoned this original castle, and it may have been used by the monks as a source of building material.[6]

A second castle on the opposite bank of the river, in what is now the centre of the town, is first documented in 1183; shortly afterwards, William de Cogan, son of Miles de Cogan, was appointed constable.[7] This second castle was built by Gilbert de Clare, 5th Earl of Gloucester.[8] During the 13th century, being a Norman stronghold, it was subject to attack by the Welsh, notably by Llywelyn the Great, who captured it in 1231 with help from a local Welsh lord, Morgan Gam.[1][5][9] Following this, it was substantially rebuilt by Richard de Clare, 6th Earl of Gloucester, Gilbert's son.[10]

It was taken again, and this time destroyed, by Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford, in 1321, during the rebellion against King Edward II of England.[11] Its owner, Hugh Despenser the Younger (who had gained the lordship through his marriage to the heiress Eleanor de Clare), rebuilt it, possibly with the addition of a gatehouse.[10] In 1376, one Roger Kyngot was the constable,[12] and the castle was rebuilt in stone in 1377; that is probably when the great gatehouse was built, which is the main surviving feature.[13] The castle was in use until the 17th century, and has been a recreational area for the town since the 18th century.[14] The post of "Constable of Neath Castle", a medieval legacy, was held by Sir Humphrey Mackworth from 1703.[15] The title was eventually absorbed into that of Mayor of Neath. What remains of the castle is designated a Grade II* listed building.[16]

See also

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References

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  6. ^ Neath Castle from The Cistercian Way
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  14. ^ coflein NPRN: 94528. GGAT PRN: 00624w. Cadw SAM: GM039: Neath Castle
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