Swansea Castle

Inextricably linked with the most powerful and ambitious men and women of the medieval period, the castle's history reads like a medieval who's who, full of murder, marriages of convenience, double crossing and devious alliances.

Swansea's medieval fortress has withstood siege, rebellion and the Blitz - a true survivor at the heart of the city. Come along with us to discover the castle's hidden stories.

History

The first timber castle was built on this naturally defensible knoll above the River Tawe around 1106 by Henry de Beaumont, the first Norman Lord of Gower. This was the start of a 200 year battle for control of Swansea and Gower - between the Marcher Lords and the Welsh princes.

Perhaps the most stunning feature is the arcaded parapet that was added around 1330 - a real "statement" addition. Other features to look out for include:

• The dressed stonework carved from Sutton stone quarried near Ogmore.

• The tall cross oillets, or arrowloops, in the south wall of the castle as well as the gun-ports which were added in the mid-1400s.

• The main entrance way into the castle which would have been up a flight of steps from the courtyard - and now marked in stone in the paving.

Tours inside the castle allow you to discover more of the castle's secrets.