Gaer Penrhôs: Seizing Power Amidst the Flames of Ceredigion

In the heart of Ceredigion, Wales, Gaer Penrhôs stands as a testament to the turbulent history of the Welsh princes. Originally built as a ring motte around 1110 CE by Richard de la Mare, the site has been witness to fierce battles and contested loyalties. Over the years, Gaer Penrhôs, also known as the royal site of Caer Penrhos in modern sources, was captured by Gruffydd ap Rhys and later destroyed by Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd in 1136. Afterwards, it was rebuilt by Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd in 1149.

Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd, Cadwaladr's nephew, seized Gaer Penrhôs in 1150 despite his uncle Owain Gwynedd's orders, but his control was short-lived, lasting only a year, before losing it to Rhys ap Gruffydd and his brothers. Hywel later returned to Gaer Penrhôs, slaughtering the garrison and destroying the timber defenses. In 1158, a new structure was captured by Normans, but it was again destroyed when Rhys returned to scourge every English-controlled castle in Ceredigion.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons