 Castles in Pembrokeshire Castles in Wales Castles in England Castles
in Scotland |
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Manorbier Castle | |
County |
Pembrokeshire | |
How to get there |
6 miles South-West of Tenby, off B4585 | |
History
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The castle was
founded at the beginning of the 12th century during the reign of Henry I by the first Lord
de Barri (who gave his name to the town of Barry).
The castle was probably built as a baronial residence rather than a defensive building. The hall and small tower beside the gatehouse remain from this period. However, most of this well preserved, limestone castle dates from the extensive additions made by John de Barri in the 13th century. During a 50 year period the curtain walls with flanking towers and a large gatehouse were added. In the 17th century two large barns were built in the castle. Although well protected by walls, battlements, ditches and portcullises the castle was never threatened by siege and the de Barri family lived peacefully in their fortress. Today after 800 years the castle is still mostly intact. The castle's greatest claim to fame is as the birthplace of Giraldus Cambrensis or Gerald of Wales. He was a scholar who travelled extensively before becoming an archdeacon and was well known as a historian, topographer and intellectual. His work, including the "Itinerary of Wales", written while recruiting for the Third Crusade, provides a valuable record of life in Medieval Wales. |
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