Wiston Castle, Motte-and-bailey castle in Wiston, Wales
Wiston Castle is a motte-and-bailey castle in Wiston, Wales, built on a high earthen mound ringed by ditches and ramparts. A polygonal stone tower sits at the top of the mound and looks out over the surrounding valley.
The castle was founded around 1110 by Wizo, a Flemish settler who came to Wales under King Henry I of England. It was taken by Llywelyn the Great in 1220, after which it fell out of use as a fortress.
The structure represents the Norman expansion into Welsh territories through Flemish settlers, who established new communities under King Henry I of England.
The ruins sit near Haverfordwest and are reached by minor roads off the A40. There are few facilities on site, so wearing sturdy footwear is a good idea as the ground can be uneven.
The stone tower has eighteen sides, which makes it one of the rarest examples of this shape in Wales. This unusual form is clearly visible from the mound and sets it apart from most other castles in the region.
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