Neath Castle, Norman castle in Neath, Wales
Neath Castle is a Norman fortress in Wales featuring a prominent gatehouse with twin D-shaped towers on its west side. Stone walls enclose the grounds, and foundation remains inside reveal where buildings once stood within the fortification.
Robert, Earl of Gloucester began construction between 1114 and 1130, building a timber fortress next to the Roman fort of Nidum. This Norman stronghold became an important fixture in medieval Wales and remained in use for centuries afterward.
The castle gave rise to the Welsh name of the town, Castell-nedd, which reflects how deeply this fortress shaped local identity through centuries. Residents and visitors alike connect the place to its medieval origins when they use the town's Welsh name today.
The grounds can be entered through a gateway on the south side, where you can see the foundation remains of former buildings. The site is easy to explore on foot and offers clear views of the exposed stonework and enclosed space.
The site had a hereditary Constable position that lasted until 1703, when Sir Humphrey Mackworth held the role before it merged with the Mayor's office. This arrangement shows how the fortress remained tied to local governance long after its military importance faded.
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