Swansea Castle, Swansea
Swansea Castle, founded by Henry de Beaumont in 1106, stands as a testament to centuries of history in Swansea. Originally established as the center of the lordship of Gower, the castle was designed with a sub-rectangular enclosure overlooking the River Tawe, complemented by an outer bailey that extended to the north, west, and south. The strategic location and design of the castle provided a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, which was crucial for defense and control of the region.
Over the years, Swansea Castle faced numerous conflicts, culminating in its capture in 1217. However, it was restored to English control in 1220 as part of a settlement between Llywelyn ap Iorwerth and Henry III of England. This restoration saw the construction of stone walls and at least one tower within the inner castle. By the late 13th or early 14th century, the outer bailey was also fortified with stone walls, enhancing the castle's defensive capabilities.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle's role evolved from a military stronghold to a civic center. Parts of the castle were repurposed as a market, town hall, drill hall, and even a prison. These changes reflect the castle's adaptability to the shifting needs of the community over time. The 20th century saw further alterations, including the demolition of parts of the interior to make way for modern developments like a newspaper office.
Today, the remaining structures of Swansea Castle have been consolidated and opened to the public, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and appreciate its architectural evolution.
Over the years, Swansea Castle faced numerous conflicts, culminating in its capture in 1217. However, it was restored to English control in 1220 as part of a settlement between Llywelyn ap Iorwerth and Henry III of England. This restoration saw the construction of stone walls and at least one tower within the inner castle. By the late 13th or early 14th century, the outer bailey was also fortified with stone walls, enhancing the castle's defensive capabilities.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle's role evolved from a military stronghold to a civic center. Parts of the castle were repurposed as a market, town hall, drill hall, and even a prison. These changes reflect the castle's adaptability to the shifting needs of the community over time. The 20th century saw further alterations, including the demolition of parts of the interior to make way for modern developments like a newspaper office.
Today, the remaining structures of Swansea Castle have been consolidated and opened to the public, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and appreciate its architectural evolution.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Swansea. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Swansea Castle on Map
Sight Name: Swansea Castle
Sight Location: Swansea, Wales (See walking tours in Swansea)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Swansea, Wales (See walking tours in Swansea)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Swansea, Wales
Create Your Own Walk in Swansea
Creating your own self-guided walk in Swansea is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Swansea Introduction Walking Tour
Swansea, the city on the southwest coast of Wales, is the country's second-largest. Its original name in Welsh 鈥� Abertawe 鈥� means 'mouth of the Tawe' and hints at its geographic location and historical ties to the River Tawe.
The area's history dates back to ancient times when it was contested by early Welsh kingdoms. During the Viking Age, it became a significant trade... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
The area's history dates back to ancient times when it was contested by early Welsh kingdoms. During the Viking Age, it became a significant trade... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles
Dylan Thomas Trail
The Dylan Thomas Trail in Swansea is a captivating journey that celebrates the life and works of one of Wales' most famous literary figures. This trail guides visitors through a series of landmarks intimately connected to the poet and writer native of Swansea, providing a deep dive into the environments that influenced his work.
Starting at the Captain Cat Statue, this whimsical sculpture... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Starting at the Captain Cat Statue, this whimsical sculpture... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles