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.
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.
Swansea Castle today
Although today the castle is dwarfed by surrounding buildings, it remains a survivor at the heart of the city.
Life after the Lords of Gower - 20th century
The castle continued to have many uses with alternations and additions frequently being made.
Life after the Lords of Gower - 19th century
In the 19th century a grand Post Office replaced the town hall in the courtyard and industrial buildings filled the ditch between the old and new castle.
Life after the Lords of Gower
Things were much quieter once the Marcher Lords and Princes of Deheubarth stopped fighting, although gunports were added to the tower around the time of the Wars of the Roses (1455-87), when Lord Herbert of Raglan held Gower.
1400 - More Welsh rebels and some English spies
After a hundred attack-free years, the castle was again threatened when Owain Glyndŵr's supporters proclaimed him Prince of Wales in 1400.
1320 - The De Mowbray Years
After William's only son died, he decided to make his eldest daughter Alina, and her husband John de Mowbray, heir to the Lordship of Gower.
1200 - 1320 - The De Breos Years
This conflict wasn't as simple as Welsh vs. English. This was an age of constant political jostling, especially around the time of the Magna Carta.
1100 - 1200 - Welsh Princes and Marcher Lords
When William the Conqueror seized the English throne in 1066, he didn't take control of Wales.
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Last modified on 07 September 2022