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TimeRef.com
  • Episodes
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    Kings and Queens of England Kings of Scotland Kings of France Kings of Denmark Emperors of Byzantine Popes and Antipopes Crusader States and their Rulers
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  1. Home
  2. Medieval Places
  3. Raglan Castle
Castle
Castle
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Raglan Castle

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 County

Monmouthshire (9 castles) 

 Categories

Stone / Later Stone Keep / Baronial castle

 Remains

Not complete but much survives

 Access

Only open at certain times

 Comments

The large keep is the only part of this castle defended by a moat. Access to the keep from the main part of the castle was via a bridge. The bridge may have been defended by a drawbridge. Although the remains at Raglan are just a shell there is still plenty to explore.

 Location51.76867,-2.851192 (Google Maps) DirectionsDirections via Google Maps
 County

Monmouthshire (9 castles) 

 Categories

Stone / Later Stone Keep / Baronial castle

 Remains

Not complete but much survives

 Access

Only open at certain times

 Comments

The large keep is the only part of this castle defended by a moat. Access to the keep from the main part of the castle was via a bridge. The bridge may have been defended by a drawbridge. Although the remains at Raglan are just a shell there is still plenty to explore.

 Location
51.76867,-2.851192
 Directions
Directions via Google Maps
aglan Castle is not part of the original Norman conquest of Wales and its construction, as it is seen today, was begun by Sir William ap Thomas during the fifteenth century and much of it still remains. Located between Abergavenny and Monmouth in south Wales, the castle was not designed to guard a river crossing or important road. It sits on the site of an earlier manor house.

William ap Thomas married Elizabeth Bloet, the heiress of the Raglan estate. William had fought at Agincourt beside King Henry V and was knighted by Henry VI. He was known as the 'blue knight of Gwent' due to the colour of his armour. When Elizabeth died in 1420 William was able to maintain possession of the castle by an agreement with his stepson. He died in 1445 and his eldest son William Herbert carried on the building work. William Herbert was a Yorkist supporter and was created first Earl of Pembroke. He was executed after defeat at the battle of Edgecote in 1469. His son, William Herbert, the second Earl of Pembroke inherited the castle. This William was married to Mary Woodville the sister of Queen Elizabeth, Edward IV's wife.

The castle has a large six-sided tower known as the 'Yellow Tower of Ghent' due to the colour of its stone. The tower is surrounded by its own moat and accessed via a drawbridge.

Location

See Also

People

  • Sir William ap Thomas
  • Herbert, William (Earl of Pembroke)
  • Neville, Richard (Earl of Warwick, 'The Kingmaker')
  • A .. Z List of Medieval People

Related Information

  • Why build and live in castles
  • Castle development timeline
  • Keep and bailey castles
  • Castles of William the Conqueror
  • Motte and bailey castles
  • Shell-Keeps
  • Square keeps
  • Polygonal Keeps
  • Castles of Edward I
  • Parts of a castle
  • Location of lots of castles
  • Castle construction timeline

Related Maps

  • Map of Castles

Location Map (click to explore)

3D Reconstructions


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Explore the 3D reconstructions

Timeline

1645

September 24

Battle of Rowton Heath

Battle of Rowton Heath. King Charles had been staying at Raglan Castle but the fall of his support in the south west meant that he was not safe there. Charles decided to move north to meet Montrose who he believed was marching south from Scotland. Charles was unaware of Montrose's defeat at Philiphaugh on the 13th. Charles reached Chester which was held by the Royalists but under siege and entered the city. An attempt to free the city failed and Charles abandoned the city and headed for Newark. ¹

3D Virtual Reconstructions

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Medieval people

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Selection of references used:

  • 1. C.H.Frith, Cromwell, 1935

    Location

    See Also

    People

    • Sir William ap Thomas
    • Herbert, William (Earl of Pembroke)
    • Neville, Richard (Earl of Warwick, 'The Kingmaker')
    • A .. Z List of Medieval People

    Related Information

    • Why build and live in castles
    • Castle development timeline
    • Keep and bailey castles
    • Castles of William the Conqueror
    • Motte and bailey castles
    • Shell-Keeps
    • Square keeps
    • Polygonal Keeps
    • Castles of Edward I
    • Parts of a castle
    • Location of lots of castles
    • Castle construction timeline

    Related Maps

    • Map of Castles
    3D/VR

    Virtual Buildings

    Transport yourself back up to a thousand years and explore historical buildings as they may have appeared in the past.

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