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Swansea Castle (Wikimedia) |
The first mention of a castle at Swansea dates to 1116, when the Welsh, led by Gruffydd ap Rhys, assaulted the stronghold, burning the bailey ramparts but not capturing the castle. By 1138, when Henry de Neubourgh seized Gower, the Normans were firmly back in control.
Henry changed his name to 'de Gower' and refortified Swansea Castle, which became the lordship's caput, or capital. One of the castle's important roles was as a mint. De Gower's nephew, Earl William of Warwick, inherited the lordship and issued Swansea's first borough charter.
In 1217, the Welsh attacked Swansea, destroyed the castle, and wrested the lordship from Reginald de Braose. Shortly afterwards, John de Braose regained control and began refortifying the castle with stone. The ongoing threat of rebellion led to the construction of more substantial defences at Swansea.
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(CADW-Wales.gov.uk) |
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(coflein.gov.uk) |
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(explore-gower.co.uk) |
I have been told that when money is available, they hope to make the castle ruins safe for visitors, leveling the floors and building staircases to access the upper floors (see this newspaper article). The castle ruins, though small, are a tourist attraction right in the town centre, and it's time the council took advantage.
[…] have often mentioned Swansea Castle and Oystermouth Castle, but there are several other castles in Gower. The stone ruins seen today […]
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