Swansea Castle - Castell Abertawe

The first Swansea Castle (Welsh: Castell Abertawe), built of earthworks and wood, was established on this site was in the twelfth century. It was sacked on a number of occasions and destroyed by the Welsh. A new structure of stone was built over the period between 1221 and 1284, but sacked again in 1287. Although re-garrisoned and later additions made in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, it gradually fell into disuse for military purposes. The buildings then fulfilled other functions over the years. The remains of the castle include a curtain wall, residential block and tower. There is an arcaded parapet and the interior has vaulted basement chambers.

The site is located in Castle Street, Swansea City Centre.

Our Visit

We visited on a warm sunny July day. The site is right in Swansea and easy to walk around. An imposing and impressive building it stands out against adjacent modern office developments. Worth visiting.