bergavenny Castle is a castle in Wales situated at the confluence of the Gavenny and Usk rivers. A castle was possibly constructed here during the Norman Conquest of England and Wales before 1100. It was the property of Hamelin (de Ballon) who built a motte and bailey castle. The castle passed into the hands of Brien Fitz-Count in around 1119, a supporter of Queen Matilda during the Civil Wars with King Stephen. The castle passed down to his son William de Braose.
In 1175 a terrible massacre occurred at the castle. A few years earlier, in 1172 or 1173, the castle was captured from William de Braose by Sitsyllt ap Dwfnwal, a Welsh Chieftain. The castle was restored to Braose by Sitsyllt and the chieftain was invited to a feast to celebrate its return. But instead of this being a friendly meeting Braose had Sitsyllt ap Dwfnwal and his guests cruelly murdered.
The castle has had a chequered history being attacked many times and changing hands. In 1215 the castle was captured from King John's forces by LLewellyn, the Prince of Wales. In 1403/4 it was attacked and destroyed by Owen Glendower. Again in 1646 during the English Civil War the castle was subject to attack. This time the castle was totally destroyed so it could not be used as a fortification again. The stones were robbed to provide building material for the nearby town.
| Abergavenny Castle Key Facts |
| Categories | [Motte & Bailey] [Stone Keep] |
| Built on a hill to the north of the River Usk. This castle was originally a wooden motte and bailey type. A stone keep later replaced the wooden structure. |
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