Abergavenny Castle, Norman castle in Abergavenny, Wales
Abergavenny Castle is a Norman fortress in Wales standing on elevated ground above the River Usk. The site contains remains of a high curtain wall from the 12th century, defensive towers, a moat, and foundations of buildings that once held cellars, kitchens, and a chapel.
Norman lord Hamelin de Ballon founded the fortress in 1087 to defend against Welsh attacks from the north and west. A period of border conflict followed, marked by executions within the castle walls.
The castle grounds now house a museum inside a Victorian hunting lodge built atop the original motte structure. Visitors can explore exhibitions about the region's past and the fortress's role in local history.
Be prepared for uneven ground and partially exposed foundations among the ruins as you explore. Visiting earlier in the day works well, as better light highlights the structures and there tend to be fewer visitors around.
The fortress witnessed one of the earliest massacres of Welsh nobility during the Norman conquest when executions took place in 1088. This dark chapter made the site a symbol of the tensions between two cultures fighting for control of the borderlands.
Location: Abergavenny
Inception: 1087
Founders: Hamelin de Ballon
Elevation above the sea: 63.6 m
GPS coordinates: 51.81990,-3.01779
Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:41
Abergavenny Museum
59 m
Gunter Mansion
120 m
Abergavenny Museum
57 m
The Coach and Horses PH
125 m
The School Room ↵(formerly of Abergavenny Congregational Church)
138 m
Swan Hotel
123 m
29,31 & 33 Castle Street, Abergavenny
73 m
34 & 36 Cross Street, Abergavenny
119 m
Lodge of Abergavenny Castle
35 m
36,Cross Street, Abergavenny
118 m
40,Cross Street, Abergavenny
121 m
No.44 Cross Street, Abergavenny
132 m
23a & 23b, Abergavenny
85 m
42 & 43 Cross Street, Abergavenny
128 m
16,Cross Street, Abergavenny
132 m
25,Castle Street, Abergavenny
79 m
Outer Wall of Abergavenny Castle
95 m
Wall, Gatepiers and Gates beside Lodge at entrance to Abergavenny Castle
47 m
22,Cross Street, Abergavenny
102 m
17-27 (Odd),Castle Street, Abergavenny
91 m
21,Cross Street, Abergavenny
103 m
27,Castle Street, Abergavenny
73 m
31,Castle Street, Abergavenny
81 m
33,Castle Street, Abergavenny
89 m
21,Castle Street, Abergavenny
87 m
Pegasus Court, 3
99 m
No.46 Cross Street, Abergavenny
143 m
19,Lower Castle Street, Abergavenny
89 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes