Rhayader Castle, Medieval fortress ruins in Rhayader, Wales
Rhayader Castle is a medieval fortress ruin in Wales located on elevated ground near the River Wye. The site sits beside the medieval parish church of St Clement and still shows visible sections of its former moat.
Lord Rhys built the castle in 1177 to defend his western territories from Norman invasions coming through the strategic route from the English Midlands. It later changed hands between Welsh princes and Norman forces until Llywelyn ap Iorwerth destroyed it completely in 1231.
The place takes its name from Rhaeadr Gwy, referring to a waterfall on the River Wye that shaped how the surrounding settlement developed. The riverside location was central to how people lived and worked in this area.
The castle ruins are located near Church Street, easily found beside the historic church of St Clement. The site is freely accessible and the elevated position offers good views over the surrounding area.
The fortress changed hands repeatedly in a prolonged conflict between local Welsh rulers and invading Normans. This turbulent history ended abruptly with its complete destruction, after which it was never rebuilt.
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