Crickhowell Castle

Crickhowell Castle comprises the remains of a fortification perched on elevated ground above the River Usk, displaying a visible oval motte and a stone double tower structure. The site sits within a public park where level pathways lead visitors to the main defensive structures.

Sir Grimbald Pauncefote converted the original timber structure into a stone fortress in 1272 following his marriage to Sybil Turberville, the castle's heiress. This transformation represented a shift from early wooden defenses to the more durable stone fortifications that shaped the site.

The site carries both English and Welsh names, with locals calling it Castell Crucywel, reflecting the bilingual identity of the border region. This dual naming reveals how the community honors both sides of its cultural heritage in daily speech.

Access to the castle grounds is available year-round as the site occupies a freely open public park. Visitors should know that while main pathways are level, the terrain surrounding the motte can slope steeply.

The eastern corner tower retains its full original height, while its twin drum tower at the gatehouse has worn down to ground level. This stark contrast reveals how differently the two structures have weathered across the centuries.

Location: Crickhowell

Elevation above the sea: 93 m

GPS coordinates: 51.85740,-3.13782

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:09