White Castle

White Castle is a medieval fortress in Monmouthshire with sturdy defensive walls, standing towers, and two water-filled moats surrounding the main enclosure. The layout displays the typical arrangement of a Norman border stronghold with clearly defined interior spaces and fortifications.

The castle was founded around 1130 as part of a Norman network of border strongholds alongside Skenfrith and Grosmont to control the Welsh frontier regions. It was maintained and reinforced over several centuries before eventually being abandoned.

The castle got its name in the 1200s when its walls were whitewashed, replacing its earlier name Llantilio Castle. You can still see lighter patches on the stone where that white coating once covered the surface.

The ruins are open year-round with parking available on-site and information boards explaining the different sections. The site is easy to walk around, though paths can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain.

The two moats still filled with water are among the best-preserved medieval defensive moats in Britain and demonstrate advanced Norman engineering techniques. Visitors are often surprised how effectively these water barriers protect the structure to this day.

Location: Whitecastle

Inception: 1130

Elevation above the sea: 160.1 m

Website: https://cadw.llyw.cymru/ymweld/lleoedd-i-ymweld/y-castell-gwyn

GPS coordinates: 51.84590,-2.90206

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:43