Welsh Castle Quiz

Question #9

"Although today I am quite ruined and often overlooked, my walls and towers are stained with the blood of both Welsh and Norman medieval warriors. An unspeakable act of treachery within my halls, condemned by the church and by both sides of the conflict, have assured my infamous place in medieval Welsh history. What castle am I and can you explain my clues?"

"Probably appropriate that Abergavenny Castle would be your mystery castle on All Saint's Day, in light of the many who gave up their souls here. This is one of my favorite castles, despite (because of?) the treachery and vengeance associated with the site. As your website indicates, "William de Braose murdered Seisyllt ap Dyfnwal, lord of Castell Arnallt, a Welsh stronghold a few miles to the south-east, here on Christmas Day. In retaliation the Welsh lord of Caerleon, Hywel ap Iorwerth, burnt the castle in 1182 and went on to destroy Dingestow Castle (now reduced to a grassy mound)."

Vicky Newell

Home | Main Menu | Castle Index | Historical Essays | Related Essays | What's New | Links | Contact

Copyright © 2009 by Jeffrey L. Thomas