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History

The three castles strengthened the Norman hold on the district and defended the English plains. Originally constructed of wood, the continued Welsh resistance to Norman rule meant that a more permanent fortresses were needed. 

Hubert de Burgh, Earl of Kent, one King John's barons, began to build stone castles in 1201.  The first building at Grosmont was a rectangular hall.  The Earl lost control of his castles on two occasions and the second phase of his building work was between 1219 and 1232 when a gatehouse and the round towers were added to Grosmont. 

After Llywelyn the Great had caused great unrest in Wales, Henry III and his wife came to Grosmont.  The King's presence did not deter the Welsh leader who captured the castle in a surprise night attack.  Henry, his wife and their retinue were forced to flee in the darkness.   In 1405 Owain Glyndwr took the castle and put Rhys Gethin in charge.   However, Henry of Monmouth, who became Henry V, easily ousted him in one of defeats which convinced Owain Glyndwr that his fight for Welsh independence was lost.