Newcastle Castle: a Norman fortress in Bridgend

Nestled above Bridgend, Newcastle Castle, first built in 1106 by William de Londres, a knight from the legendary Twelve Knights of Glamorgan, rose as part of the Norman invasion in Wales. Accompanied by Coity Castle and Ogmore Castle, the other two Norman creations in the region, this castle bears the mark of a tumultuous history.

Over the years, it was either strengthened by William Fitz Robert, the 2nd Earl of Gloucester, nearing his death in 1183, or by Henry II who took the lordship of Glamorgan upon William's demise. A 2-meter thick curtain wall was built surrounding a 40-meter length courtyard, a response to the uprising in Glamorgan led by the Welsh Lord of Afan, Morgan ap Caradog.

Ownership shifted throughout the centuries, passing to Prince John, who handed it over to Morgan ap Caradog. Later, it belonged to Lleison, son of Morgan ap Caradog, followed by Isabel, Countess of Gloucester, the first wife of King John. In 1217, the castle passed to the Anglo-Norman baron Gilbert Fitz Richard, who in turn handed it over to Gilbert de Turberville, who preferred to continue living at Coity Castle. Today, the castle is renowned for the impressive stonework, especially the Norman doorway, built in the late 12th century. While only the base of the west tower remains, the south tower has three storeys and was remodelled for living quarters in the 16th century with Tudor windows and fireplaces added. Preserved by Cadw, it stands open to visitors free of charge throughout the year.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons