Manorbier Castle, South Wales

Gerald of Wales was born at Manorbier Castle in the 12th century, this may be the most notable event to have occurred here.  The first mention of Manorbier dates from around this time but it is likely that the location had been occupied for sometime before this.  Manorbier is located in a remote area of Pembrokeshire along the south coast. 

We approach the castle through the main gatehouse, which once would have been accessed by a drawbridge. This leads into the inner ward which would have had buildings surrounding the area, little today remains of some of these.   A relatively small castle, its remote location has also helped insure its preservation.  Manorbier has lead a very peaceful life as castles go only being besieged once by its owner who was reclaiming it in the 14th century. The chapel is well preserved and dates from the 13th century.

Manorbier like all castles was once a self-sustaining community and while today much of the land is overgrown the natural landscape allows us to envision the medieval town.  In the Middle Ages, farmlands and orchards would have surrounded the castle; there also exists the remains of a fishpond, dovecote and mill. The medieval church can be seen from the castles entrance.

There is a cottage within the castle walls that can be rented for self catering accommodation.