CASTLES NARBERTH

Llawhaden Castle in Pembrokeshire stands on high ground overlooking the Vale of the Eastern Cleddau, serving as a fortified bishop's palace rather than a traditional fortress. Built by the bishops of St David's in the 13th century on the site of an earlier motte-and-bailey, Llawhaden functioned as residence, military stronghold, and administrative center for the powerful ecclesiastical rulers of southwest Wales. Strategically positioned on the Landsker line dividing Norman south Pembrokeshire from Welsh north Pembrokeshire, the castle played a crucial role in regional politics until its abandonment following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Now managed by Cadw with free year-round access, the ruins remain impressive testimony to medieval episcopal power.

Narberth Castle is a ruined 12th-century Norman fortress in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, built during the late 11th or early 12th century as part of the Landsker defensive line. The castle gained legendary status through its association with the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh folk tales, and reportedly stood where the mythical palace of Castell Arberth, seat of Prince Pwyll of Dyfed, once existed. The stone castle was rebuilt in the 13th century by Roger Mortimer and changed hands numerous times throughout medieval history before being slighted during the English Civil War. Today's remains include a rectangular enclosure defended by drum towers, curtain walls with semi-circular bastions, and vaulted cellars, showcasing Norman and medieval Welsh architecture.