Twthill Castle

Twthill Castle is a Norman fortress featuring a prominent earthwork mound roughly 12 meters tall and 80 meters across, positioned near the River Clwyd. The site displays the typical motte-and-bailey design with its distinctive raised hill and fortified layout.

Robert of Rhuddlan established this fortress in 1073 under orders from William the Conqueror to secure Norman rule in northern Wales. The site formed part of the systematic invasion and control of Welsh territories by Norman forces.

The site contains remains connected to a Welsh ruler's residence and marks where local authority gave way to incoming conquerors. Walking the grounds reveals how power shifted through the physical layout.

The grounds are accessible year-round and can be reached via a public footpath roughly 400 meters long from Rhuddlan town. The path crosses farmland, so expect uneven surfaces and occasional wet conditions depending on recent weather.

The site once housed a mint that produced coins during the period of the Conqueror. Examples of these early coins are preserved in museum collections today, documenting the economic activity of that era.

Location: Rhuddlan

Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/twthill-rhuddlan

GPS coordinates: 53.28711,-3.46193

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:23