Skenfrith Castle, Norman fortress ruins in Monmouthshire, Wales.
Skenfrith Castle is a Norman fortress in Monmouthshire built in red sandstone near the River Monnow. The structure features a prominent circular tower at its center with defensive walls arranged around it, which visitors can walk among and explore.
A Norman lord named William fitz Osbern founded the original timber fortress in the early 12th century. Later, Hubert de Burgh reconstructed it entirely in stone, making it a more permanent defensive structure.
The fortress forms part of a trio of castles in Gwent that marked the historical boundary between Wales and England. Visitors can observe how the site was positioned to control movement across this frontier region.
The ruins are easy to walk around and visitors can explore freely without needing a guide or organized tour. Dogs on leads are welcome, and there is river scenery visible from the grounds to enjoy while walking.
Archaeological work uncovered that the original timber fortress was filled entirely with river gravel, likely after severe flooding. This unusual construction method shows how builders adapted to environmental challenges when rebuilding the fortification in stone.
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