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Built in the 14th century, Weobley Castle is a fortified manor house in Wales’ Gower Peninsula. Weobley Castle overlooks the Llwchwr estuary and the peninsula beyond. It was built and owned by the de la Bere family, but today is cared for by Cadw and open to visitors.
Visiting Weobley Castle
Parking
There is a small car park 100 metres (328.08 feet) away from the castle. Visitors can also use roadside parking, which is a similar distance from the castle.
However, if visitors need to access disabled parking, they may be permitted to park on the farm just outside the castle’s entrance.
Price
Tickets for adults are £2.60, and tickets for children are children £2.25. Concession tickets are also £2.25.
Opening
Weobley Castle is open daily from April 1st to October 31st from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.
Weobley Castle is relatively well preserved. Much of the monument still stands today, and visitors can see:
- The gateway entrance to the castle. This is now the entrance that visitors come through.
- The hall block. The hall block is also neighboured by two southern towers and the remains of an east curtain.
- The solar building. This impressive stone building overlooks the courtyard. It has remnants of mullioned windows.
- The chapel to the south. The chapel was on the first floor of a southern tower with wooden steps that connect it to the courtyard.
- The southwest tower. Historians suggest that this is the oldest area of the castle that still stands today.
- The east block. This block was renovated and enhanced in the 15th century.
The castle’s gatehouse also still stands. It is now a farm that sells tea and fresh farm produce.
Location & Access
Weobley Castle’s address is as follows:
Weobley Castle,
Swansea, SA3 1HB
To get to the castle, visitors will need to walk from the car park to the castle entrance. This path has tall grass and may be uneven.
The entry to the castle is steep and can be slippery. The castle’s structures are on different levels, making it difficult for a wheelchair to manoeuvre through.
Know Before You Go
- There are exhibition signs through Weobley Castle, which give visitors an insight into the castle’s history.
- Guidebooks can be purchased at the castle’s entrance.
- Visitors can use toilet facilities in the farmhouse garden.
- Cadw does not allow drones in this castle.
- There are picnic tables at the castle’s entrance.
- Smoking is not permitted on the Weobley Castle grounds.
History of Weobley Castle
Weobley Castle was built in the early 14th century by the De La Bere family. It was built as a fortified manor house and was upgraded in the late 15th century when it passed on to new ownership. While it has been under siege, it was primarily used as a residence.
Time Line
-1304 – 1327 (Original Structure Built)
In the early 14th century, William de Braose, Lord of Gower, gave several land pieces to his steward, David de la Bere. David De La Bere commissioned Weobley Castle and, between 1304-1327, added further enhancements to the structure.
During this time, the courtyard, the chapel block, the gateway, the hall, the kitchens, and the east range were built—the family-focused on creating comfortable residential spaces. For instance, the solar block contained the lord’s private chamber, cellar space, and a lavatory. The hall, meanwhile, had space for tapestries to be displayed. The castle had guest chambers with private latrines and recreational rooms.
Because of the focus on residential comforts, historians believe that Weobley Castle was created as a luxurious residence and not as a military outpost. However, the castle did have a few defensive elements. These included a watchtower and crenellated wall tops.
-1403 – 1406 (Castle Attacked)
In 1400, Owain Glyndŵr led a war of independence that aimed at overthrowing the English control of Wales. Between 1403-1406, Glyndŵr’s forces attacked Weobley Castle several times. Some historians speculate that the castle’s owner, John de La Bere, was killed during one of these attacks.
Henry of Monmouth put an end to Glyndŵr’s revolt in 1410. However, Weobley Castle had suffered a significant amount of damage. Rather than repair it, the de la Bere family chose to abandon the castle.
-Late 15th Century (Under New Ownership)
In the late 15th century, the castle was passed on to Sir Rhys ap Thomas, who became the governor of Wales. Sir Thomas fell into favour when he killed Richard III in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. As a reward, Henry VII gave Sir Thomas several pieces of land and the castle.
Sir Rhys Thomas made several enhancements to Weobley Castle to elevate it into a luxurious, ‘modern’ Tudor home that befitted his position.
He added a two-storey porch block as well as several more private quarters. These additions have distinctive Tudor characteristics. For instance, the porch block had four-centred arches and two flat-headed Tudor windows.
-1531 (Castle Returned to Monarch Control)
The castle passed on to Sir Rhys ap Thomas’ son and then his grandson, Rhys ap Gruffydd. However, in 1531, Rhys ap Gruffydd was executed for treason. Weobley Castle passed into monarch control.
-Mid 16th Century – Early 20th Century (Passed Through Several Owners and Families)
For almost 400 years, Weobley Castle passed through a series of owners. After executing Rhys ap Gruffydd, Henry VII gave the castle to Catherine Edgecumbe. However, she died soon after, and the monarchy then leased Weobley Castle to Sir William Herbert for ten years.
The Mansel family of Llanrithrid bought Weobley Castle and may have rented it out to tenants. However, as no family consistently stayed in the castle, it began to deteriorate.
By 1666, Weobley Castle was being rented out. A survey recorded that tenants lived in the farm buildings adjacent to the castle and used the castle’s lands for farming.
In the late 17th century, Sir Edward Mansel of Margam bought the castle and then sold it to the Talbot family. The Talbots would own the castle for over 200 years. However, there is no record of them living in it or carrying out restoration work.
-1911 (Given to State Care)
In 1911, Emily Charlotte Mansel Talbot of Penrice Castle, the final private owner of Weobley Castle, gave it to the state for care. Since then, Weobley Castle has been cared for by Cadw. Over the years, Cadw and the Welsh government have carried out renovation and preservation work on Weobley Castle.
Today, Weobley Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Weobley Castle Occupants
The de la Bere family built and lived in Weobley Castle in its early years. However, once the de la Bere family left, it passed through a series of owners:
- 15th Century: Built by the De La Bere family (private ownership)
- Late 15th Century - Mid 16th Century: Passed to Sir Rhys ap Thomas and his family (private ownership)
- Mid 16th Century: Seized by English monarchy (under monarch control)
- Mid 16th century - Early 20th Century: Passed through a series of owners (monarch and private ownership)
- Early 20th Century: Given to state control
Images of Weobley Castle
Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package
Weobley Castle Q&A
What Type of Castle Was Weobley Castle?
Weobley Castle is prominently a masonry castle but also has some limestone elements.
When Was Weobley Castle First Built?
The construction of Weobley Castle began in 1304.
What Was the Main Use of Weobley Castle?
While Weobley Castle had a few defensive elements, it was primarily used as a residence, first by the De La Bere family and subsequently by a collection of other occupants.
What Else Can You See Around Weobley Castle?
The Gower Peninsula has a wide range of historical sites, including Arthur’s Stone, Pennard Castle, Loughor Castle, and the Old Coastguard Station.
The Gower Peninsula is also known for its scenery and natural attractions - it was named Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956.
There are also several spots for camping around Weobley Castle.
Location of Weobley Castle
Weobley Castle is perched on top of limestone rock on the Gower Peninsula. It overlooks the Llanrhidian salt marshes and the Loughor Estuary.
To get to Weobley Castle, take the B4271 or B4295 to Llanrhidian Village and then turn off to a smaller road that leads to the castle. The castle can also be accessed by rail or bus; visit Cadw for more information.