History of Laugharne Castle
Peter Humphries, Interpretation Manager for the historic buildings conservation group Cadw writes about the history of Laugharne Castle.
"Laugharne is one of a continuous string of castles stretching all along the South Wales coast from Chepstow in the east to Pembroke in the west.
Archaeological excavation has shown that the headland upon which the castle now stands was once a ploughed field, perhaps associated with a prehistoric and/or Romano-British settlement on the hillside to the north.
The earliest reference to a castle at Laugharne is probably the entry for 1116 in the Brut y Tywysogyon (The Chronicle of the Princes) in which a Welshman, Bleddyn ap Cedifor, is entrusted with 'the castle of Robert Courtemain, which was at Abercorram'. Aber is the Welsh word for the mouth of a river and Corram may be an earlier form of Coran (the stream which now flows just beneath the western wall of the castle). Throughout the 12th and 13th centuries Laugharne is referred to as either Abercorram or Talacharn (the Welsh for Laugharne).
The history of the castle stretches back nearly 900 years:
1116 - The earliest documentary reference. Archaeological excavations have shown this to be an earthwork castle with timber defences: a ringwork castle. Later 12th century - A new enclosure was created covering the area of the present inner ward. A large stone hall block was built on its N. side. Mid 13th century onwards - The castle was owned by the de Brian family, all of whose male descendants were, confusingly, named Guy. Much of the present structure dates from this time. Late 16th century - The castle was converted into a Tudor mansion by Sir John Perrot. 1644 - The castle's active life ended with the Civil War, when it was captured by Parliamentary forces after a siege and partially dismantled. 18th-19th century - A garden was created around the 'Romantic' ruins. 1973 onwards - The castle was handed into state care by Miss Anne Starke, of Castle House, Laugharne and has undergone excavation and conservation".
Peter Humphries, Cadw Interpretation Manager
