St Briavels Castle, Medieval castle in Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England.
St Briavels Castle is a medieval fortress in the Forest of Dean that now functions as a youth hostel. The structure features a prominent gatehouse with two D-shaped towers, triple portcullises, and walls built from red sandstone and limestone.
The castle was built in 1292 and initially served as an administrative hub for Forest of Dean. Later it was converted into a storage facility for royal iron supplies.
The castle served as a courthouse and prison for those who broke forest laws, showing how royal authority was enforced in woodland areas. Today, visitors can sense how this place reflects medieval forest management and justice.
The building operates as a youth hostel and can be visited after booking through the English Heritage website. Guests should plan ahead since accommodations require advance reservations.
The castle once had a water-filled moat surrounding its entire walls. This area has been transformed into a garden that is fed by water from the original medieval spring.
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