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Llandovery CastleDrover's Town
Llandovery is a small market town of approximately 1,700 inhabitants in the eastern part of Carmarthenshire. Stop and take time to visit this ancient Drovers' Town, and enjoy the small shops and cafes that share some of the spirit of the town
"Llandovery Castle"
Llandovery is a small market town of approximately 1,700 inhabitants in the eastern part of Carmarthenshire. Stop and take time to visit this ancient Drovers' Town, and enjoy the small shops and cafes that share some of the spirit of the town.
In 1116, the Norman Richard Fitz Pons began construction of the motte and bailey, then known as the "castle of Cantref Bychan." Shortly thereafter, the Welsh, led by Gruffydd ap Rhys, attacked and destroyed the outer bailey. However, the Normans retained control of the castle until 1158, when the Lord Rhys successfully seized it from owner Walter Clifford.
Over the next several years, control of Llandovery Castle not only alternated between the Welsh and the English, but the heirs of the Lord Rhys (including Rhys Gryg and Maelgwyn) also fought each other for command of their father's possessions. In 1277, Llandovery Castle finally fell to Edward I, and the English monarchs continued to control the stronghold until its demise, with the brief exception of a few months in 1282 when Llywelyn the Last captured the castle.