Ancient Walls 2022-1930 by ajisaac

Ancient Walls 2022-1930

Time appears to move on slowly in the small town of Newcastle Emlyn, which is about 5 miles from where I live; across the river border in the County of Carmarthenshire.

The 'Now & Then' pictures of the Castle were taken recently in June 2022 by myself (top) and in 1930 (bottom) - 92 years ago (obviously this one not by me!!!)

Little has changed except the ivy has been tripped from the castle walls and the trees have grown taller in the valley embankments below!

The castle was probably founded by Maredudd ap Rhys around 1240, and if this is so, it is one of the few castles in Dyfed built by the Welsh in stone. His son, Rhys ap Maredudd, held the castle in 1287, and the castle changed hands three times during his successful revolt against the English crown from 1287 to 1289. After Rhys had finally been defeated and killed, the castle became crown property and remained so until 1349. During this time, three refurbishments are recorded, during which this time the gatehouse was constructed and a new town was founded outside the castle walls.

In 1403 the castle was taken by Owain Glyndwr, but was described as being in ruins by 1428. Sir Rhys ap Thomas acquired and repaired the castle in about 1500. It changed hands a number of times before the Civil War during which it was held by Parliament until its capture by Sir Charles Gerard in 1644. Major-General Rowland Laugharne besieged it for Parliament in 1645 but was routed by Gerard in a fierce engagement below the castle walls.

After the general surrender of the Royalists, the castle was blown up to make it indefensible and, according to a source of 1700, the castle was plundered and ever since neglected.
I love then and now shots. Well done. Such an interesting history of the castle.
July 11th, 2022  
It’s interesting to see that the plants ( ivy) is gone…..it looks good but ruins the ruin
July 11th, 2022  
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