A castle's transformation: Newcastle, Bridgend

Newcastle Castle, overlooking the town centre of Bridgend, was originally built in 1106 by William de Londres, one of the legendary Twelve Knights of Glamorgan, as part of the Norman invasion of Wales. The castle was one of three castles built by the Normans in the area at the time, the others being Coity Castle and Ogmore Castle.

The defences were strengthened either by William Fitz Robert, 2nd Earl of Gloucester, shortly before his death in 1183 or by Henry II who took over the lordship of Glamorgan on William's death. The additional works had the construction of a 2-m-thick curtain wall which surrounded a courtyard which was 40 m in length. The main reason behind these new defences was believed to be a response to the uprising in Glamorgan led by the Welsh Lord of Afan, Morgan ap Caradog.

The ownership of the castle changed hands multiple times: it was owned by Prince John at one point, who handed the castle to Morgan ap Caradog. Later, the castle came into the ownership of Lleison, son of Morgan ap Caradog, and then Isabel, Countess of Gloucester, the first wife of King John. In 1217, the ownership changed again, staying briefly with the Anglo-Norman baron Gilbert Fitz Richard, who in the same year handed the castle over to Gilbert de Turberville, who preferred to continue living at Coity Castle.

Today, the castle is notable for the high quality of the stonework, especially that of the Norman doorway. This is late 12th century, and was likely constructed at the same time as the high curtain walls and the two square towers which they support. Only the base of the west tower survives, but the south tower has three storeys, remodelled for living quarters in the 16th century, when Tudor windows and fireplaces were added.

Newcastle Castle is under the care of Cadw and is open free of charge throughout the year. A small parking area adjoins the site.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons