his castle was built and controlled by the Normans as they attempted to take control of South Wales. A wooden castle was built on the banks of the river Gwendraeth by Roger, bishop of Salisbury in around 1106. Roger was a trusted supporter of Henry I and was responsible for other construction work. He built Sherborne Old Castle and a Cathedral at Old Sarum. The steep banks of the river provide protection on one side of the castle while a ditch provided protection on the other. The wooden structure was replaced by a stone castle in the late thirteenth century.
Mini Timeline

1106		Construction of Kidwelly Castle
		Roger, bishop of Salisbury, is granted land in south Wales and started construction of a wooden castle on the banks of the river Gwendraeth.
1190		Kidwelly Castle rebuilt
		A new castle was built at Kidwelly by Rhys ap Gruffydd, The Lord Rhys.1
1403		Kidwelly Castle attacked
		Owen Glendower's forces attacked Kidwelly Castle managing to set fire to the unfinished gatehouse but did not capture the castle.1