Ruin of a late thirteenth-century castle, on a limestone rock where there may already have been a fort in the Iron Age.
The earliest castle was most likely the work of the dynasty of Welsh princes.
The oldest found written mention of the castle dates "only" from 1248 when Rhys Fychan (died 1271), great-grandson of Lord Rhys, conquered the castle from the English. In 1277 the castle was captured by Edward I of England in his first campaign against Llewelyn ap Gruffudd of Gwynedd (died 1282).[1] The castle was briefly reconquered in 1282 and 1287.
In 1282–83 Edward I completed his conquest of Wales and granted Carreg Cennen Castle in 1283 to his loyal supporter John Giffard (d. 1299), baron of Brimpsfield (Gloucestershire). The current castle was most likely built by Baron Giffard and his son John (died 1322), not too long after 1284.
Being a resident of Ghent myself, I thought it was a nice fact that the castle was in the hands of John of Gaunt (yes, John of Gaunt), Duke of Lancaster, for a while in the 14th century.
During the War of the Roses (1455-1485), Carreg Cennen Castle was initially in Lancaster hands, but was later conquered by the York supporters.
In the late 18th century the castle became popular among amateur archaeologists and artists, with William Turner visiting the castle in 1798.
In the 19th century the second Earl of Cawdor began restoration work on Carreg Cennen Castle. In 1932 the castle came under state management.
In the 1960s the castle became the property of the Morris family, owners of the Castell Farm farm near the castle.
Source: Wikipedia
The castle can be visited 364 days of the year. Just not on Christmas Day.
9:30 am - 4:30 pm (from April to October until 5:00 pm)
The ticket desk is located at the tea room / gift shop ("downstairs", where the parking is also located). In high season and on weekends, tickets can also be purchased near the entrance to the castle.
Entrance prices range from £6.50 for adults, £4.00 for discount holders, to £20.00 for a family ticket.