kenfrith Castle is one of the 'Three Castles' granted to Hubert de Burgh by King John in 1201. The other two castles are White Castle, also known as Lantilio, and Grosmont Castle. Hubert de Burgh was a wealthy baron who had learnt much about castle defence on his trips abroard. Soon after taking control of the castles he began rebuilding work at Skenfrith and Grosmont. In 1205, while Hubert was being held captive in France, the castles were granted to William de Braose, a favourite of King John. When Hubert was released he returned to England and retook control of the castles. After Hubert's death in 1243 the castles were held by the King and in 1254 they were granted to the future Edward I and in 1267 to his brother Edmund of Lancaster. When the threat of Welsh rebellions died out at the end of the thirteenth century the military history of the castles came to and end and they were mostly used as residences. Skenfrith castle has four sides, though not in the shape of a perfect rectangle. The central keep is circular and pictured opposite. The river Monnow passes the eastern side of the castle and a moat was dug outside the other three sides allowing the river to flow completely around and act as a very good barrier from attack. The north side of the outer wall had a gateway, but this has been destroyed.