Barry Castle, Medieval castle in Barry, Wales.
Barry Castle is a medieval fortress on elevated ground in Barry, Wales. The two-story gatehouse and remaining walls of a hall form the main structures that visitors encounter today.
The first fortification was built in the 12th century from wood by the de Barry family and later rebuilt in stone in the late 13th century. This change from wood to stone shows how defensive techniques evolved over time.
The castle displays medieval Welsh defensive architecture with arrow slits and a stone gatehouse that visitors can still identify today. These features reveal how people once protected this fortified position against attack.
The ruins are accessible year-round, allowing visitors to freely explore the gatehouse and stone walls. Sturdy footwear is advisable since the ground is uneven and some areas can be slippery.
The upper chamber of the gatehouse contained both a chapel and a mechanical winch to operate the gate's portcullis. This unusual combination shows how defense and prayer were housed together in one space.
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