Grosmont Castle & Church, South Wales

Grosmont started its life as a motte and bailey castle just after the Norman conquest.  It is one of a set as the other two castles in close proximity are Skenfrith and White Castles.  All three changed hands throughout the middle ages but they changed hands together and always had the same owner.

The great hall was the first building to be built in stone; evidence suggests that it was built in the 12th century.  The rest of the stone buildings were built later by Herbert Burgh in the 13th century.

Henry III visited Grosmont in 1233 to put down a Welsh rebellion.  Henry V also used the castle in 1405 when fighting Owen Glyndwr. Records show that it was abandoned by the mid-16th century.

The parish church also dates from the 13th century, the nave is bare, and in many ways more authentic for being so.  The roof is one of the oldest in Wales and dates from the 12th century.