Historic Places in Bridgend County Borough

Newcastle Castle in Bridgend, also known as Newcastle Bridgend, is a ruined Norman castle in the centre of Bridgend, dating from the twelfth century and consisting of the remains of a round tower and gateway associated with the Norman settlement of the Vale of Glamorgan. The castle is a Cadw-managed site providing a modest but historically genuine fragment of Norman military architecture in the commercial heart of the town. The Vale of Glamorgan was one of the most thoroughly Norman-colonised areas of medieval Wales, and numerous castles, mottes and earthwork fortifications were established throughout the vale from the late eleventh century onward as part of the systematic conquest and settlement of the fertile coastal lowland of south Wales. The Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast to the south provides dramatic limestone cliff scenery within easy reach.

Romantic ruined castle, a storyboard in stone Originally founded in the early 12th century, Coety’s remains are a centuries-spanning jumble of architectural styles that reflect its lengthy occupation. Begun as an earthwork castle around AD 1100, the stone keep and curtain wall were late 12th-century additions. Major rebuilding took place in the 14th century and again in the 15th, after Owain Glyndŵr laid siege to the castle during his uprising against English rule. Further modifications were made in the early 16th century, including the addition of a third floor. Though the castle is now a ruin, remaining features from each era shed light on its long and storied life.

The name Candleston is probably derived from the de Cantelupe family who built a fortified manor house here in the later 14th century. Surrounded by the huge sand dune system of Merthyr Mawr, over time the lands of the manor later became covered with dunes and thus valueless. Candleston Castle was built upon a promontory of land overlooking the Merthyr Mawr sand dunes and it is probable that there was originally a small harbour near the site. It consisted of a D-shaped courtyard enclosed by a substantial curtain wall. A two storey hall range occupied the eastern side. A tower, consisting of a vault on the ground floor and a solar on the level above, were added shortly after on the southern end of the hall. This is a fabulous little castle, one of my favourite ruins in all of South Wales to explore. A walk round the interior discovering its fire places, kitchen area, windows and solar, you get a real sense this was a luxurious fortified home. It's very easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of a busy kitchen as the lords in their finery return home. Access to the castle is very easy as its located next to a pay and display car park, for walks in the woods and enormous sands dunes.

Kenfig Castle is one of the best discoveries of all the hundreds of castles we have visited across the country. The castle is partially buried under the huge expanse of rolling sand dunes that stretch out in every direction, hidden beneath tangled undergrowth. Finding this castle you will need a map of the Kenfig sands. You can park off the road opposite the public footpaths that cross the sands. As you progress up and over the grassy sand dunes without any firm landmarks it can be easy to lose your way and the paths soon disappear underfoot. With the motorway far to the right of you, the sprawling Port Talbot steel works ahead, look out for the stub of the tower that sits upon a tangled grassy mound. If you come across the railway line as you head towards the steel works, work your way to your left, away from the motorway, and eventually you'll spot the stubby tower ruins. After you have visited the tower and work away from the tangled ruins, you will spot other sections of castle walls that appear from under the undergrowth, indicating there is still much that is hidden from view that still awaits excavation to reveal its secrets. On a hot day such as ours, make sure you take plenty of water for the walk. The Prince of Wales pub once back at the road provides a well earnt drink after a very long but enjoyable walk.