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Pembroke Castle, Wales

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Pembroke Castle is a vast castle, standing impressively above the Pembroke river inlet in Pembrokeshire, South Wales. The castle is so big that certain other Welsh castles, such as Harlech, would fit inside the courtyard. The original castle was a typical Norman earth and timber construction, replaced by the stone fortifications in 1189. Pembroke Castle became such an important stronghold because it was the main base from which the Normans waged their campaign in Ireland. This campaign never really succeeded, which in many ways is the root cause of division between Ireland and the rest of the Britain in later history. Perhaps if the Normans had subdued Ireland completely the British Isles might have gone on to a more united history. Pembroke tells the story of Norman success, and failure.

Castles are such ambivalent things. They seem to build such strong walls between friends and enemies, while the stories of castles always show friends and enemies interchanging. Pembroke was heavily damaged during the Civil War when both Royalists and Parliamentarians used its walls for protection. Following the war Cromwell ordered the castle destroyed. Although great damage was caused by Cromwell's men, it was difficult to destroy a castle, and Pembroke survived as a ruin. In the early twentieth century the building was extensively restored by major-general Philips.

The castle is the traditional birth place of King Henry the Seventh, the first of the Tudor kings.

 

There are many displays of costumes, furniture, tableware, and artifacts found locally. Guided tours are available for parties and schools.

Opening Times: Pembroke Castle is open every day. From 1st April to 30th September it is open 9:30am to 6pm, during March and October 10am to 5pm, and November to February 10am to 4pm. Last admission is 45 minutes prior to closure. The castle is closed 24th - 26th December and 1st January.

Directions: The castle is hard to miss. It lies at the west end of Main Street in Pembroke town centre. It is within walking distance of the railway station. Click here for an interactive map centred on Pembroke.

Access: for disabled visitors there is a setting down point at the entrance, and access is possible at ground level for wheelchair users. A portable ramp is offered for access into the gift shop. There is an induction loop in reception and in the video room. Dogs are permitted on leads.

Contact:

telephone: 01646 684585.

web site: http://www.pembroke-castle.co.uk/

e-mail: info@pembrokecastle.co.uk