Newcastle Castle, Medieval castle in Bridgend, Wales
Newcastle Castle is a Norman stone fortress in Bridgend, Wales, featuring two four-sided towers with a horseshoe-shaped perimeter wall that sits along the Ogmore River. The layout reveals typical medieval defensive design, with the towers positioned to protect the entrance and overlook the surrounding terrain.
William de Londres built this fortress in 1106 during the Norman invasion of Wales as the westernmost stronghold on the Ogmore River. It served as a strategic defense post during the period of Norman expansion into Welsh territory.
The Norman entrance shows intricate carved capitals and patterned stonework that reflect the skills of medieval Welsh craftspeople. These details are still visible to visitors today and reveal how local builders combined Norman techniques with their own traditions.
The ruins are open year-round and accessible daily with no entry charge, making it easy to visit whenever you pass through the area. Dogs on short leads are permitted, and the site is within walking distance of the town center.
The southern tower housed a kitchen in its lower level, with a stairway added later to the western wall to serve the upper chambers. This practical arrangement reveals how the interior spaces were organized for daily use.
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