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Castell Morgraig is a mystery castle.

No-one is really sure when it was built. Historians are not even sure who built it.

We have very little evidence relating to Castell Morgraig as few written documents have been discovered that

make reference to it. We do have some archaeological evidence however and by using this and by studying the history of the area surrounding the castle in The Middle

Ages, we are able to make some educated guesses regarding its origins (where it came from) and its

purpose (why it was built).

The argument hinges upon whether Castell Morgraig was built by the Normans, or the Welsh.

During the later part of the Thirteenth Century (the 1200’s) when most historians agree that the castle was built, the Normans held the flat areas of

land along the coast in South Wales (The March) and the Welsh held the more mountainous regions to the north.

Castell Morgraig lies between Cardiff and Caerphilly – right on the border between these two areas.

A rough idea of the boundary between Senghenydd (an area held by a Welsh Lord) and Kibbor (an area held by a Norman Lord)

Evidence Exercise Evidence Exercise Evidence Exercise

Timeline of the 1200’s Profiles Castle Use

1268 Construction of Caerphilly Castle begun

1267The Treaty of Montgomery is signed and the Lord of Senghenydd (Gruffudd ap Rhys) is

arrested by Gilbert de Clare (1266) and Senghenydd taken in 1267.

1216Henry III becomes King of England when King John dies

1271Edward I becomes King of England

1262Gilbert de Clare inherits Richard de Clare’s land

1230 Richard de Clare Becomes

Lord of the lands surrounding Cardiff

1295Gilbert de Clare

dies

1282Prince Llewelyn dies

1316Llewelyn Bren leads a revolt against the

Normans in Glamorgan

1258-65The Baron’s Revolt – led by Simon de Montfort

1247The Treaty of Woodstock

1258Llewelyn ap Gruffudd declares himself Prince of Wales

Source Exercise

Worksheets

Because historians argue over who built Castell Morgraig, and because there is little written evidence available regarding its origins and how it was used, it is difficult to put an exact date upon when the castle was constructed (built).

Read the following sources and answer the questions. Once this has been done, try to write out a paragraph using your answers and the evidence that you have seen, upon when you think Castell Morgraig was constructed.

Q.1. According to the report below, when was Castell Morgraig most likely to have been built?

The sketch plan, imperfect as it is, points rather to a small castle of the thirteenth century (1200’s)….Nothing is known of the history of the castle. If medieval, it is curious there should be no reference to its origin in the local records. Mr. Corbett suggests that it may have been erected by the last Welsh Lord of Senghenydd (before he was arrested); others that it is a sort of connecting link between Caerphilly and Cardiff castles.

Whatever its age and history, the exploration has added another item to a district already of great archaeological interest.

Source A

John Ward, 3rd Archaeological Report on Castell Morgraig, July 23rd, 1903.

Click on the ruler at the bottom of the screen if you need to go back to the timeline

Source B

Richard de Clare had trouble with the Welsh almost as soon as he became of age….If Castell Morgraig was built by the de Clares, only Richard, who was Gilbert de Clare’s father, would have had the opportunity. As soon as Gilbert achieved his inheritance, he built Caerphilly.

A.T. Gill: Castell Morgraig, an article in the Caerphilly Local History Society Journal No.5, 19

Q.2. According to Mr. A.T. Gill, who was the only de Clare who could have built Castell Morgraig?

Q.3. Refer back to the timeline. When was Richard de Clare in control of the lands around Cardiff?

Q.4. Read Source B carefully.Look at the dates given by Jack Spurgeon. Between which

years could Castell Morgraig have been built?

Do these dates fit in with the dates that you have already gathered?

Source C

Jack Spurgeon thinks that Castell Morgraig was built by the Anglo-Norman de Clare lords of Glamorgan after 1243 and before 1267, when it was abandoned unfinished.

Dylan Iorwerth talking about Jack Spurgeon’s opinion in Heritage in Wales, 1997.

Q.5. Read Source C again and then Source D.If you put the evidence of both of these historians together, can you narrow down the time period (years) when Castell

Morgraig could have been built?

Source C


Source D

Castell Coch is thought to have been built by Gilbert de Clare, son of Richard, and if so it must be later in date than 1262…The architecture of Castell Morgraig indicates that it is earlier in date than Castell Coch.

J.S. Corbett, an article called Historical Data, written for the Cardiff Naturalists Society, 1905.

Jack Spurgeon thinks that Castell Morgraig was built by the Anglo-Norman de Clare lords of Glamorgan after 1243 and before 1267, when it was abandoned unfinished.

Q.6. Read Source E and F carefully.Do these sources give us a wider range of dates to consider when

compared to Sources C and D?

How far do these sources agree with the dates given in Sources C and D?

Source E

Morgraig compares somewhat with Skenfrith and White Castle. Mr. G.T. Clark dates both of those castles as being of the age of King John or of Henry III, a period ending in 1272. The plan therefore points to Morgraig being not later than 1272, but the Keep being of the rectangular type would point to a somewhat earlier date, but not necessarily to any great extent.J.W. Rodger, Masonry and Architecture at Castell Morgraig, written for the Cardiff Naturalists Society, 1905.

Source F

Rectangular Keeps, (like the one at Morgraig) are small, without pilasters, and belong to the Early English period (1189-1307).


Q.7. According to Mr. Alan Thomas Gill the lintel of the fireplace at Castell Morgraig could date from the fourteenth century (1300’s).

How could you explain such a fireplace if most historians seem to agree that the castle was built sometime in the thirteenth century

(1200’s)?

A 1.5 metre wide fireplace lintel was found in the debris of the s.w tower in 1905 (when Castell Morgraig was being excavated), but it resembles the one piece lintels that appeared around the 1340’s…. A lintel like Morgraig’s is found at Battle Abbey and is dated 1350.

Source G

A.T. Gill: Castell Morgraig, an article in the Caerphilly Local History Society Journal No.5, 1990’s.

Q.8. Read Source H carefully.

Why do you think that Gilbert de Clare would have been interested in stopping the building of a castle such as

Morgraig?

We can guess that the castle was built between 1262-1266. The sudden appearance of Gilbert de Clare in 1262 meant that, at the most, the castle had been under construction for four years and could not have been finished…Gilbert de Clare attacked and captured the Lord of Senghenydd in January 1267. As well as capturing the Lord of Senghenydd, could he have been anxious to stop the building of Castell Morgraig?

Source H


Q.9. May the capture of the Lord of Senghenydd provide us with any clues as to when Castell Morgraig may have been

built?

Have a look at the development

of Chepstow Castle:

On to the final question

At this point you may wish to study a few other castles from around Wales. If you can find any

similarities between them and Castell Morgraig, you may better be able to date our mystery castle.

Castle designs changed over time, becoming more sophisticated as technology in The Middle Ages improved. Look at the shape and design of the

castles that you look at and see if this helps you find a period of time when it seems most likely that

Castell Morgraig was built.

Research:Web links

Welsh Castles:

Ewloe – www.castlewales.com/ewloe.html

Dolbadarn – www.castlewales.com/dolbd.html

Dolforwyn – www.castlewales.com/dolforn.html

Dolwyddelan – www.castlewales.com/dolw.html

http://www.castlewales.com/ewloe.html

http://www.castlewales.com/dolbd.html

http://www.castlewales.com/dolforn.html

http://www.castlewales.com/dolw.html

Norman Castles:

Kidwelly – www.castlewales..com/kidwelly.html

Usk – www.castlewales.com/usk.html

White – www.castlewales.com/white.html

Beaumaris – www.castlewales.com/beaumar.html

http://www.castlewales.com/usk.html

http://www.castlewales.com/white.html

http://www.castlewales.com/beaumar.html

Q.10. Piecing it all together.

Read through the sources and your answers to the questions that have been set once again.

Based on all of the evidence when do you believe that Castell Morgraig was built?

Help:

Structure:* You may wish to start by explaining how difficult it is to pinpoint an exact date for when the construction of Castell Morgraig began. * You could then move on to explain the broader range of dates (centuries, decades) and why some historians believe that the castle could have been built between these dates.* Finish by talking of the narrower range of dates (e.g. the 1260’s) and what historians say about these dates. Remember to include any one date, or set of dates, that stand out more than any other and why this is.

Source Exercise

Worksheets

While completing the ‘When was Castell Morgraig built’ evidence exercise you will have come across the names of a number of powerful individuals who may have had something to do with the castles construction.

This exercise help you to learn a little more about the possible involvement of these individuals. By the end of the exercise you will be asked to come to a conclusion regarding who built the castle based upon the evidence provided.

Q.1. According to Source A, who probably designed the doorways and windows at Castell Morgraig – the Normans

or the Welsh ?

Explain your answer carefully.

Newel Stones, which would form the central pillars of staircases were found at Castell Morgraig – an unusual discovery if the castle was Welsh….

A lot of carved stones, used as dressings for doorways and windows are an English (Norman) feature. Many of these stones were found at Castell Morgraig.

Source A

Click on the ruler at the bottom of the screen if you ever need to go back to the timeline


Source B

The plan of the castle is not Welsh in appearance. If indeed Welsh then the design would be unique (one of a kind). Native Welsh castles did not have this type of plan….Welsh castles built entirely out of stone are also rare. There are no more than about fifteen in the country and most of these are in the north. No other comparable stone Welsh castle exists in Glamorgan. This makes Morgraig a most extraordinary work if it is Welsh.


Q.2. Read Source B carefully.

Why do you think that Castell Morgraig would be such an important castle if it were proved that it was Welsh?

Q.3. How does Source C agree with Source B?

Does J.S. Corbett provide us with any additional information that we could use when investigating who built

Castell Morgraig?

Source C

I see no reason to doubt that a Welsh Lord of Senghenydd might if he had chosen have built a castle for the defence of his frontier…Yet there does not seem to be any other instance of

such a stone castle built by a Welshman in the hills of Glamorgan.

If Castell Morgraig is of later date than about 1245, it appears to me practically certain that it was not of Welsh construction.


Q.4. Read Sources D and E.

What evidence can you find within these sources that indicate that Castell Morgraig may have been constructed by

the Welsh? Source D

Source E

The thickest walls face South towards Cardiff. This is where the Normans were. The kitchen is to the north and not heavily defended at all. The Welsh were to the north. Your best defences would surely face your enemy.

Brian Davies, local historian talking to pupils about Castell Morgraig, 2000.

The well (for fresh water) was generally placed inside Norman Keeps, but at Castell Morgraig no trace of a well has been found within the castle walls.J.W. Rodger, Masonry and Architecture at Castell Morgraig, written for the Cardiff Naturalists Society, 1905.

Q.5. Mr. A.T. Gill had stated in Source B that Castell Morgraig was unlikely to be of Welsh design.

Read Source F carefully.

Consider what the source tells us.

ii) Does this mean that A.T. Gill has changed his mind about who built Castle Morgraig?

Llewelyn the Last was in a position to help in the construction of Morgraig. He wanted his frontiers guarded against the Normans by castles and this was an ideal site.

Source F


The four flanking towers at Morgraig are typical north Welsh D-shaped apsidal towers…Their presence at Morgraig indicates a north Welsh influence, consistent with the theory that Morgraig was being built for, or in association with, the ambitions of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd. The fact that they are built as flanking towers, to give a good field of fire, is a realisation by the builders that the principal weapon of the South Welsh was the bow.

Source G

John Owen: The Mystery at Morgraig, an article written for CADW, 1997

Q.6. How far does this source agree with Source F.

What evidence does John Owen provide to support the argument that Castell Morgraig was built by the Welsh?

Who built Castell Morgraig?Use the profile pages, the sources and castle plans.

Suggested structure:

Introduction:This should explain that nobody can be certain who built Castell Morgraig as historians differ in their opinions and we have little evidence available to help us come to a definitive conclusion.

Paragraph 1:This paragraph should give the evidence and argument for why Castell Morgraig may be Norman. Include any Norman individuals who have been linked with the castles construction and explain why.

Paragraph 2:This paragraph should give the evidence and argument for why Castell Morgraig may be Welsh. Include any Welsh individuals who have been linked with the castles construction and explain why.

Conclusion:Based on the evidence that you have seen, explain who you think built the castle and how you reached that conclusion.

Please click on the following figures from History to learn more about them.

Llywelyn ‘Prince of Wales’

Richard and Gilbert de Clare

Gruffudd ap Rhys

‘Lord of Senghenydd’

King Henry III

Llywelyn ap GruffuddPrince Llywelyn (died 1282)

Llywelyn defeated two of his brothers to gain control of the whole of Gwynedd in 1255. One brother, Owain, was imprisoned and the other, Dafydd, escaped.

Gwynedd

Llywelyn had become a powerful leader at a time when many Welsh princes and people were looking for one strong leader to help unite the different Welsh leaders and hopefully Wales as a whole against their Norman overlords.

Henry III of England was considered weak during this time and a group of nobles led by Simon de Montfort rebelled against him causing a Civil War that lasted from 1258-65 (The Baronial Revolt). Taking advantage of the chaos caused by the Civil War Llywelyn seized lands from the Marcher Lords in Wales, extending his influence ever southwards.

Llywelyn joined forces with Simon de Montfort against Henry III. In 1267 Henry III tried to make peace with Llywelyn through the Treaty of Montgomery.

Under the Treaty of Montgomery Llewelyn was allowed to keep the lands that he had already seized from The Marcher Lords. He was also given the official title of ‘Prince of Wales’. Llywelyn agreed in return not to attack England and to pay homage to Henry III.

After the treaty Llywelyn became one of the strongest leaders that Wales had ever known. He was firmly in control of North and Mid Wales and was extending his influence southwards through Brecon and along the Usk valley. Many Welsh princes and leaders became jealous of his power after 1267. To make matters worse taxes rose in Wales under his rule and, as Dr. Stuart Broomfield points out in Wales in the Medieval World, he fell out with leading churchmen as well.

In 1272 Edward I became King of England following the death of Henry III. Llywelyn refused to pay homage to Edward as he accused the new king of supporting the Marcher Lords’ attempts to take over parts of Wales. Llewelyn even missed Edward’s coronation which was considered to be a great insult. In 1275 Edward kidnapped Llewelyn’s fiance (Eleanor de Montfort) as she travelled to Wales to the wedding. In 1276 Edward declared war on Llewelyn.

Edwards attacked and captured many areas of Wales and in 1277 Llywelyn was forced to pay homage to Edward on Christmas Day in London.

Eventually in 1278 Llywelyn married Eleanor de Montfort – and Edward even gave away the bride. This seemed to indicate that there would be a new period of peace between the King of England and The Prince of Wales. The Welsh people were however growing steadily uneasy with English rule. Many Welsh princes thought that Llywelyn was going back on his word to throw off English rule and unite the whole of Wales.

Llywelyn’s brother invaded Hawarden Castle in March 1282, illustrating his hatred of the English and their laws. This was followed by other acts of violence against English strongholds within mid and north Wales. Llewelyn, whether he agreed with these actions or not, took over as the leader of the rebels in 1282.

Edward invaded Wales to regain control and Llewelyn and his army rode out of Snowdonia to meet the English troops in the Wye valley. Llewelyn was killed on the banks of the river Irfon near Builth on 11th December 1282. He was killed by a Shropshire soldier who probably did not know who he had killed until after the event. Llywelyn’s head was eventually sent to Edward I in London as proof of his death.

Click here to view a rough map showing land held by the Welsh in 1267

14. Maelienydd15. Gwrtheyrnion16. Elfael

Wales in 1267 – After The Treaty of Montgomery

1. Brecon 2. Builth3. Cantref Bychan4. Cantref Mawr5. Cardigan6. Cedewain7. Ceri8. Emlyn9. Gwynedd10. Powys Wenwynwyn11. Powys Fadog12. Montgomery13. Ceredigion

Based upon William Rees, 1959

A rough map of territories controlled by Llywelyn:

Who were the Marcher Lords and what were the Marches?

A rough map showing the areas of Wales under the

direct control of The Marcher Lords by 1267 (in red)

The Marcher Lords

The March was the area of land controlled by the Normans within Wales. These areas were ruled over by powerful Marcher Lords.

The Marcher Lordships varied in size, but effectively provided a barrier between Norman England and the warlike Welsh.

The lordships were like mini kingdoms and the Marcher Lords had their own armies and law courts. Some Marcher Lords, such as the de Clare’s became extremely powerful and influential, their wealth rivalling the king’s own.

The kings of England often feared the growing power of the Marcher Lords as much as the threat posed by the Welsh people. Sometimes the King would make agreements with Welsh princes so that there was no need for Marcher Lords to exert their authority over these areas of Wales.

Richard de ClareLord of Glamorgan (from 1230 - 1262)

Richard de Clare inherited the lordship of Glamorgan on the death of his father in 1230. He was too young to rule the lordship on his own in 1230 however and had to wait until he ‘came of age’ before he began to extend his influence inSouth Wales.

A rough map showing the area of South Wales under the control of the de Clares

by 1267 (in red)

He began by getting rid of the Welsh Lord immediately above and to the north west of Cardiff who controlled Meisgyn and Glynrhondda. This was done in 1246. Worried by Richard de Clares act of violence the Welsh leaders in Afan, an area of land that reached from Neath to Glynrhondda, agreed to come under Richard’s rule as long as Afan was not attacked.

Richard de Clare came up against strong Welsh resistance in Senghenydd however, and was unable to take this area. Senghenydd was to remain a threat to de Clare power in Glamorgan until Richard’s son took over upon his death in 1262.

For a more detailed map of de Clare land in Wales click here

© CADW. Crown

Copyright

Lord of Glamorgan (from 1262 - 1295)

Gilbert de Clare

When Richard de Clare died in 1262 his son Gilbert received his inheritance. He was eighteen years old at the time and had to bargain with Henry III to gain control of his estates. It took nearly a year before the King finally handed over control entirely to Gilbert.

Gilbert faced quite a few problems between 1262 and 1295. Firstly he had to consider securing his land and strengthening his borders in South Wales. This became more of a priority as Prince Llywelyn’s power grew. When Llywelyn began to take land in Brecon and Usk during the 1260’s, Gilbert de Clare must have been aware of the fact that a united Wales with Llywelyn as leader was a strong possibility. The Treaty of Montgomery in 1267 between Henry III and Llywelyn added to these fears as he was allowed to keep lands taken from the Normans. The Treaty also failed to state clearly who had the right to ownership over Glamorgan. This was a real opportunity for Llywelyn to claim ownership, declare himself as the true prince of all of Wales and attack areas held by Gilbert de Clare.

Could this situation in some way be linked to the building of Castell Morgraig?

Gilbert de Clare (continued)

Gilbert de Clare joined the side of Simon de Montfort during The Baron’s Revolt (1258-65) against the King. Gilbert was extremely wealthy and powerful and his support helped de Montfort win The Battle of Lewes in 1264. Similarly Prince Llywelyn had also offered to help de Montfort along the Marcher frontier.

Could this also be linked to the construction of Castell Morgraig?

In return for his support Llywelyn was recognised by de Montfort as ‘The Prince of Wales’. So, for this short space of time 1264-65 Llywelyn and Gilbert de Clare were uneasy allies.

Could Castell Morgraig have been a joint venture? What other possibilities could we consider if the Welsh and Norman Barons were temporary allies (partners)?

In early 1265 Gilbert de Clare, possibly worried by the growing friendship between de Montfort and Llywelyn which gave the Prince a lot of authority and power within Wales, switched sides and joined the king’s cause against the Barons. By the end of 1265 de Montfort had been killed and the Civil War came to an end. Some de Montfort supporters fought on and Gilbert de Clare helped the King defeat theserebels.

Gilbert de Clare began building Caerphilly Castle in 1268, not long after Henry III had signed The Treaty of Montgomery with Prince Llywelyn. Llywelyn was now the Prince of Wales and a very real threat to the Normans along the Marches.

Gilbert had already arrested The Lord of Senghenydd (Gruffudd ap Rhys) in 1266 and sent him to prison in Ireland. This had denied Llywelyn the support of at least one powerful Welsh Lord in South Wales.

Was there possibly another reason for Gilbert de Clare arresting the Lord of Senghenydd in 1266. Castell Morgraig is on the frontier between Senghenydd and the lands around Cardiff owned by the de Clares?

In the summer of 1268 Llywelyn attacked northern Senghenydd and in 1270 attacked and burnt down the fortifications that had been erected at Caerphilly. Gilbert however began constructing the castle once more in 1271. In the year that followed the castle was taken by the King to try and please Llywelyn and then regained by Gilbert de Clare.

By 1274 Edward I had replaced Henry III as King of England and the situation within Wales was to change yet again.


Gilbert de Clare’s cause was helped by the fact that Llywelyn refused to pay homage to Edward I on five separate occasions between 1274-76.

In 1276 Llywelyn was declared a rebel and Edward invaded Wales, forcing Llywelyn to retreat to the north. Gilbert de Clare could now secure his lands and not worry about an all out attack by the Welsh (Llewelyn was killed in 1282). Caerphilly Castle was no longer a frontier castle and could now be used a s base for Gilbert de Clare to control his lands in South Wales.

In 1287 there was a Welsh Revolt in the north of Senghenydd, although this did not cause Gilbert de Clare any real problems. In fact it gave him an excuse to push his troops further north towards Brecon. He even built a new castle near Merthyr Tydfil – Morlais.

Gilbert now bickered over territory with another Baron – Humphrey de Bohun. Skirmishes broke out and the King eventually intervened and both men were imprisoned and their lands taken away. Gilbert and Humphrey however paid the King to be released, which they were a few months later, and their lands were restored.


In 1294 the Welsh staged a large revolt against the Normans throughout Wales. Morgan ap Maredudd led the revolt in South Wales. He had a special reason to hate Gilbert de Clare as he was the son of the Welsh Lord of Machen. Gilbert had taken his father’s lands in 1270.

Caerphilly town was attacked and much of it set on fire and Morlais Castle was taken by the rebels. Caerphilly Castle was not taken however and Gilbert counter attacked and regained control of the his lands. Morgan had surrendered by June 1295.

Gilbert de Clare died at the age of 52 in December 1295. His widow controlled his money and lands until his son (also called Gilbert) was old enough to claim his full inheritance, granted to him by the King, Edward I, in 1307.


Gruffudd ap RhysLord of Senghenydd (arrested 1267)

Gruffudd ap Rhys was the son of Griffith ap Ifor. Both of these Lords were powerful

rulers within their area of influence, as demonstrated through the way in which they were

treated by The Norman Marcher Lords. Gruffudd ap Rhys attended the Counry Court

and witnessed the signing of Charters and was even summoned to attend the king in

1245.

There was however conflict between the Lords of Senghenydd and the de Clares – their

neighbours to the south. Richard de Clare began as early as 1245 to grab more land and

extend his power in South Wales. He expelled Norman as well as Welsh Lords in order

to achieve this. In 1267, after Richard de Clare’s death, Gilbert invaded Senghenydd and

arrested Gruffudd ap Rhys. Gruffudd owed allegiance to Prince Llywelyn and was seen

as a direct threat to de Clare control around Cardiff.

Gruffudd ap Rhys(continued)

Gruffudd ap Rhys was taken to Ireland by Gilbert de Clare not long after the invasion of

Senghenydd, where Gruffudd’s supporters could not attempt a rescue. In Ireland

Gruffudd could no longer support the efforts of Prince Llywelyn to unite Wales, not stir up

rebellion against the Normans in South Wales.

Could it have been possible that Gruffudd ap Rhys, as Lord of Senghenydd, was

responsible for at least part of the construction of Castell Morgraig?

As he owed allegiance to Prince Llywelyn, could the castle have been built to strengthen

Llywelyn’s southern frontier, to impress upon the Normans the scale of Llywelyn’s power

and the scale of his influence?

* Gruffudd’s son, Llewelyn Bren, led a revolt against the Normans in 1316.

King Henry III(King 1216 – 1272)

Henry III inherited the throne in 1216 when he was only nine years old. He was an extremely religious man (he gave enough money to feed 500 paupers a day in the 1240’s) and much of his time as king was spent supervising the rebuilding of Westminster Abbey in London.

He left much of the day to day running of the country to his friends. This caused quite a lot of rivalry and resentment at the King’s court and contributed to the Barons demanding changes in the way that the country was run in 1258. The King did not agree with the Barons demands for change and this led to a Civil War – The Barons Revolt - which lasted for seven years. The leader of the rebellious barons, Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, was eventually killed at the Battle of Evesham in 1265. His head was cut off, his body dismembered and his private parts removed!

King Henry III (Continued)

After the Battle of Evesham Edward, Henry’s son who was known as ‘Longshanks’ as he

was so tall, played a more prominent role in decision making. Henry III died in 1272 after

fifty-six years on the throne.

Although Henry III had managed to preserve the power of the monarchy, Edward was to

prove much more determined to gain and keep hold of his power. His militaristic

approach to politics often saw him strengthen his position, as seen through the defeat of

Wales and his initial successes when invading Scotland.

Why were castles needed at all?

We should start with a look at castles in general – their purpose and development.

The development of Chepstow Castle over

time …

Cardiff Castle – A Motte and Bailey

Fortification (1100’s)

Part of Caerphilly Castle’s Dam Wall –

A Concentric Castle (Late 1200’s)

Motte and Bailey Castle’s were of a simple design. The Keep was placed upon a mound of earth so that the defenders had a height advantage.

Concentric Castles were much more sophisticated. They had a ‘walls within walls’ defensive system. The walls were extremely high and well protected and the castles themselves covered a large area of land. Caerphilly Castle is even protected by a lake.

Is Castell Morgraig like either of these castles?

Stuart Broomfield in his book Wales in the Medieval World states that Norman castles had two main military uses in Wales:

* To act as a base from which the invaders could launch attacks* In order to defend the lands captured from the Welsh Lords

These two uses of a castle would also apply to a castle built by the Welsh.

* To protect their land, preventing the Normans pushing further into Wales* To provide a base for attack – to retake land already conquered by the Normans

Chepstow Castle Case Study:A brief study of castle

development

Castell Morgraig:* Local and National History

(1200’s)* Location

* Style

You now have the choice of whether to briefly study the function (use) of a major Castle within South Wales, or to move straight on to study the possible reasons for the construction of

Castell Morgraig.

A Quick Case Study – Chepstow Castle

The construction of Chepstow Castle was begun in 1067, one year after The

Normans began their invasion of England (The Battle of Hastings).

William Fitz Osbern built the castle for William I (William the Conqueror)

as a key base from which to launch an attack into Wales. The first major clashes between the Welsh and

Normans began in 1069.

It also stood as a symbol of Norman authority, reminding the Welsh of the

power and wealth of the Normans.William Fitz Osbern –a model from an exhibition

within Chepstow Castle

Back to dating Morgraig

Chepstow Castle underwent a number of changes between 1067 – 1300.

The Key Questions are ‘What changes were made?’ ‘When were these changes made?’ ‘Why were these changes made?’

Chepstow Castle as it looks today

The first phase of building work lasted from about 1067-75.

The oldest part of the castle is The Great Tower. This is thought to be the oldest fortification still standing in Great

Britain. The Tower was probably surrounded by a single wall and possible one or two basic gatehouses.

The Great Tower at Chepstow Castle

© Copyright Alan Gill. Reconstruction drawing of what Castell Morgraig may have looked like during the thirteenth century.

An artists impression of what Chepstow Castle looked like by 1075

How similar is Morgraig to Chepstow during the first phase

of its development?

More defences were added to Chepstow, until by 1245 it resembled the drawing you see above. Domestic

buildings (where people lived) had been added, round towers had been incorporated into the walls and the gateways fortified with much stronger gatehouses.

There was now an upper and lower bailey.

First Phase


An artists impression of what Chepstow Castle looked like by 1245

How similar is Morgraig to Chepstow during the second phase of its development?

First Phase

Can you see what has changed between c.1245-

1306?

First Phase By 1306 a hall had been built, together with a cellar, service rooms and domestic chamber. Edward I stayed in this part of the castle in 1284. The front eastern tower was rebuilt to house apartments and a chapel. It was given its own portcullis and bars for the doors. The Upper Storey of The Great Tower was

extended and four giant crossbows were added to the wall tops of the Tower.

Roger Bigod who made many of the changes to Chepstow Castle during this phase of its

development.


An artists impression of what Chepstow Castle looked like

by 1306

How similar is Morgraig to Chepstow during the last phase

of its development?

For further activities go to:

www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk

KS3 Patterns across Wales: Castle Building

http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/

* As a statement of power and dominance. To remind the Welsh of how powerful the Normans were. Welsh Lords would have paid homage to their Norman ‘Lords’ in The Great Tower. Each Norman Lord who owned Chepstow would also want to show other Lords how wealthy and powerful they were too

* Chepstow was one of the first Norman castles built in Wales and served as a ‘launch pad’ for further incursion (invasion) into South Wales

* Chepstow Castle protected one of the major routes into and out of Wales, allowing Norman soldiers and settlers to cross into Wales unharmed* Chepstow Castle served to protect the settlement which grew at this important crossing into South Wales

* Chepstow is one of many castles (e.g. Monmouth, White, Hereford) that formed a ‘frontier of castles from which the Normans could control lands conquered and administer ‘justice’ and keep the peace.

* As the Normans established themselves within England and Wales they had more time to develop their strongholds. The Better defended the castles the less likely the Welsh would be able to eject the Normans from their territory.* The Norman Lords became increasingly more wealthy and powerful as they grabbed more land and raised taxes. The system of feudalism meant that the Welsh people who dwelt on their land had to give gifts to the Lord, as well as their loyalty. Money raised was used to add to the castle, much in the same way as extensions would today be put on a house.

* As technology improved so did castle defences. As castle weaknesses were found (e.g. Square Keeps), so new designs were adopted (e.g. Round Towers). New weapons were being made throughout The Middle Ages that could breach castle defences and so new ways of defending castles had to be found.

* As Lords became stronger they began to fear each other. They also feared that the Welsh would rise up and throw them out of Wales. During the 1200’s in particular the Welsh started to rebel, finding new leaders who could inspire and unite them.

Design Changes

How did Chepstow Castle’s design change over time?

Why do you think that these changes happened?

Help

Can you find Castell Morgraig?


Castell Morgraig stands on Craig Llanishen – north of the M4 and Cardiff

More Help

The A469 runs past it


More Help


The A469 runs past it


It lies in an area known as Thornhill


Road from Senghenydd

To Cardiff

Remember that modern

day Caerphilly used to be

part of Senghenydd.

Why would the Normans or Welsh

build a castle that was only 30

metres from the main road linking

Welsh held Senghenydd and Norman

held Cardiff?

How much of a threat to

the remaining Marcher

Lords in Wales was

Prince Llywelyn after

The Treaty of

Montgomery (1267)?

How ambitious were the de Clares?

How much land had they taken from

their Welsh and Norman neighbours

before 1267?

How important a

base was Cardiff for

the Normans – and the de Clare’s in

particular? How much land had Llywelyn taken

from the Normans before 1267? How

many Welsh Lords owed him

allegiance?

Between 1267 and 1271 , he (Llywelyn) became

involved in northern Glamorgan, causing Gilbert

de Clare, lord of Glamorgan and the richest of the

subjects of the king of England, to join the ranks

of his enemies. As The Treaty of Montgomery

(1267) had granted to the prince of Wales the

homage of the Welsh lords, Llywelyn believed

that he had the right to the allegiance of those

Welshmen who retained a measure of authority in

the commotes of northern Glamorgan.

* Highlight people talked about in Blue* Highlight key dates in Red

What does this source tell us about Llewelyn and his beliefs?

What does this source tell us about Gilbert de Clare?

John Davies, A History of Wales, 1990 (P.149)

Homage – Showing loyalty to a LordCommote – Area of land

Hywel ap Maredudd of Miskin had been one

of Llywelyn’s earliest allies; in 1269,

Edward, the King’s heir, recognised

Llywelyn’s claim to the homage of

Maredudd ap Gruffudd, lord of Machen, and

the attempts to secure the allegiance of

Gruffudd ap Rhys of Senghenydd were a

central part of the prince’s policy in the

south-east.

* Highlight people talked about in Blue* Highlight key dates in Red

John Davies, A History of Wales, 1990 (P.149)

Why may Llywelyn have wanted the allegiance (loyalty) of these Welsh Lords in South Wales?Give clear reasons for your answer.

Why may this ‘policy’ have worried the Norman Lord of Glamorgan, Gilbert de Clare?

Indeed, it is possible that Llywelyn was

seeking to create an eastern border which

would reach the Severn Sea, a border

which would enclose the royal and baronial

lordships of the south-west and which

would provide him with much-needed

income from the fertile lowlands of the

south-east.John Davies, A History of Wales, 1990 (P.149)

Compare John Davies opinion of why Llywelyn wanted the allegiance of the Welsh lords in the south-east of Wales with the reasons that you gave earlier? Are they the same?

* Highlight reasons why Llywelyn wanted to gain control of more territory in South Wales in Red

Rough map of land controlled by Llywelyn in 1267

Indeed, it is possible that Llywelyn was

seeking to create an eastern border which

would reach the Severn Sea, a border

which would enclose the royal and baronial

lordships of the south-west and which

would provide him with much-needed

income from the fertile lowlands of the

south-east.John Davies, A History of Wales, 1990 (P.149)

Compare John Davies opinion of why Llywelyn wanted the allegiance of the Welsh lords in the south-east of Wales with the reasons that you gave earlier? Are they the same?

* Highlight reasons why Llywelyn wanted to gain control of more territory in South Wales in Red

Rough map of land controlled by Llywelyn in 1267

Can you now use the information gained to give a possible motive for the construction of Castell Morgraig?

Llewelyn may have been involved in the construction of Castell Morgraig because…

*

*

*

*

14. Maelienydd15. Gwrtheyrnion16. Elfael

Wales in 1267 – After The Treaty of Montgomery

1. Brecon 2. Builth3. Cantref Bychan4. Cantref Mawr5. Cardigan6. Cedewain7. Ceri8. Emlyn9. Gwynedd10. Powys Wenwynwyn11. Powys Fadog12. Montgomery13. Ceredigion

Based upon William Rees, 1959

A rough map of territories controlled by Llywelyn:

In 1246 the ruler of Glynrhondda and

Meisgyn was dispossessed by Richard de

Clare. His land now came under de Clare

control. In 1247 the chiefs of Afan

submitted themselves to de Clare authority

rather than suffer the possibility of an

invasion. The only other area that could

have offered serious resistance to de Clare

domination was Senghenydd. The Lord of

Senghenydd was ruled over by the

descendants of Ifor Bach.

* Highlight the areas that the de Clares had gained control of within South Wales by 1247 in Red

Give reasons for why the De Clare’s would have wanted to take over Senghenydd in 1267.

Information from the Caerphilly Castle Guide Book (CADW)

“Castell Morgraig was in all probability built to protect the main route in

and out of Senghenydd. The castle would have been a frontier outpost

between the Normans of South Glamorgan and the Welsh of Northern

Glamorgan. Whoever built the castle would want to stop incursion into

their territory.”

M.Williams, St.Cenydd School Web Site

“Supporters of the Welsh theory say the castle would have been built to

threaten Cardiff….. Some say that the castle was “intended to guard the

main road into Cardiff and to catch marauders on the way back.”

D.Iorwerth, Heritage in Wales, 1997

More opinions for you to consider

“Looking at its position on the Cardiff side of the ridge, it looks as if it were

built to watch movements from the south towards Senghenydd.”

J.Beverley Smith, Heritage in Wales, 1997

“(Llewelyn) wanted his frontiers guarded against the Normans by castles

and this was an ideal site.”

A.T. Gill, Castell Morgraig

“I see no doubt that a Welsh Lord of Senghenydd might if he had chosen

have built a castle for the defence of his frontier.”

J.S.Corbett, Historical Data

“In my opinion the establishment of a castle at Morgraig was a political

statement by the Lords of Senghenydd to define their southern boundary.”

John Owen, 1997

“It seems reasonable to assume that, having extended his authority over

Meisgyn and Glynrhondda in 1245, and buttressed it with his new castle at

Llantrisant, Earl Richard (de Clare) would not have allowed the Welsh Lord

of Senghenydd to establish a castle at Morgraig dominating his caput at

Cardiff…At the same time it would be understandable if Earl Richard had

raised this castle in response to the threat posed by the Welsh resurgence

(led by Prince Llywelyn).’

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales,

The Later Castles from 1217 to present

Why was Castell Morgraig built?Suggested structure:

Introduction:This could give a general and brief outline of why any castle was needed during the Middle Ages - for defence and as a possible base for attack.

Paragraph 1:This paragraph should give the evidence and argument for why Castell Morgraig would have been needed if it were Welsh. Specific reference should be made to the location and political situation that existed within the local area and Wales at this time.

Paragraph 2:This paragraph should give the evidence and argument for why Castell Morgraig would have been needed if it were Norman. Specific reference should be made to the location and political situation that existed within the local area and Wales at this time.

Conclusion:Based upon all of the evidence that you have, overall why you think that Castell Morgraig was built?

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