CASTLES HEREFORD

Longtown Castle traces its origins nearly 2,000 years to a Roman fort, originally constructed during the Silures resistance against Roman rule in the 1st century. Following the Norman Conquest, Walter de Lacy established the medieval fortress on these Roman earthworks, creating a motte and north and south baileys to defend the English border with Wales. An additional east bailey was added later, and a stone keep was built atop the motte in the 12th century. Gilbert de Lacy rebuilt the structure in stone after 1148 and established an adjacent town to help finance the work. The entire complex was eventually surrounded by a curtain wall in the 13th century and is now in English Heritage's care.

Hay Castle, also known as Castell Y Gelli, stands prominently in the historic market town of Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales, near the English border. Originally a Norman ringwork fortress from the late 11th or early 12th century, the castle was developed significantly around 1200 when Matilda de Braose constructed its stone keep. The castle features Britain's oldest working defensive gates, with one wooden gate dating to approximately the 14th century and another from the 17th century. After centuries of decline, the Hay Castle Trust has restored the property since 2011, partly funded by over £5 million in National Lottery Heritage grants. Today it welcomes visitors with guided tours, exhibitions, a café, and serves as a vibrant centre for arts, literature and learning.

Kinnersley Castle in Herefordshire stands as one of the Welsh Borders marches castles, originally built as a Norman stone structure during the reign of Henry I (1100-1135). Although the medieval castle remains largely obliterated, the Elizabethan building erected on the site showcases distinctive steep stepped gables typical of Dutch architectural style, combined with medieval foundations and features from multiple periods. Purchased by the Garrat-Adams family in 1954 to prevent demolition, the castle underwent gradual restoration over several decades and remains a family home. During summer months it opens for visitation and guided tours, featuring an impressive example of intricate Renaissance plasterwork ceilings.