Newcastle Emlyn Castle

 

Where the last Dragon in Wales was slain.

Newcastle Emlyn Castle, a significant landmark in the town, has a rich and turbulent history, reflected in its physical evolution and its current state as a scheduled monument and Grade I listed structure.

Visit Date: March 2025

Newcastle Emlyn Castle

The town of Newcastle Emlyn in the county of Carmarthenshire takes its name from the castle and the ancient district of Emlyn.

The Castle, now a scheduled monument and Grade I listed structure, exhibits the remains of a strategic medieval design, adapted over centuries from a probable timber and earth stronghold to a stone fortress and then a residence, before its eventual destruction.

Dragon Gate at Newcastle Emlyn Castle

The castle is strategically located on a steep-sided promontory within a great bend or loop of the River Teifi, making it naturally defensible on three sides. Its only land approach was from the west.

The inner court, roughly triangular in shape, is believed to be the core of the 13th-century castle. It measures approximately 45 metres east-west and 25 metres across at its western end.

An outer court was located to the west, towards the town, and was defined by earthworks. This outer court was roughly 50 metres east-west by 40 metres, with its eastern part later obscured by a 17th-century ravelin.

Click on any image to see just images

The castle has a long and turbulent history which starts before 1240 as there may have been an older building on the site, possibly taken by the Welsh leader Llywelyn the Great.

In Around 1240 A stone castle was likely built by Maredudd ap Rhys, a Welsh lord. This made Newcastle Emlyn one of the few stone castles built by the Welsh in West Wales. It might have started as a wooden structure before being rebuilt in stone by 1287. The castle served as an important administrative center since Maredudd lived mainly at Dryslwyn Castle.

In the 1250s The "new castle" (Castell Newydd Emlyn), which gave the town its name, was established on the banks of the River Teifi.

In 1257 The castle is first mentioned in historical documents. This year, King Henry III approved an agreement that allowed Maredudd to divide the Emlyn area. A bridge connecting Newcastle Emlyn to Adpar was also built.

In 1271 Rhys ap Maredudd, Maredudd's son, gained ownership of the castle.

In 1287 Rhys ap Maredudd rebelled against the English Crown. The castle was attacked by Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, but Rhys's men recaptured it.

Newcastle Emlyn Castle

During 1287-1288 The castle was besieged and captured by Robert Tiptoft, Justiciar of South Wales, after a 23-day barricade. Rhys ap Maredudd fled, ending his revolt, and his estate was confiscated by the Crown. The English forces had to haul their siege engine from Dryslwyn to Cardigan with forty oxen, and then needed sixty oxen to bring it up the Teifi Valley to Newcastle Emlyn.

In 1291 Rhys ap Maredudd was captured and executed the following year.

In 1294-1295 The castle was abandoned during Madoc ap Llewelyn's revolt. However, David ap Moris and his son David Fychan held the castle until the King arrived, and David Fychan was subsequently made Bailiff of Emlyn.

IN 1300 The Treasurer of South Wales was instructed by Edward I to ensure the castle was repaired and provisioned.

In 1303 A settlement outside the castle gates was formally established as a borough, granted a weekly market and two annual fairs. It became known as Newtown Emlyn and saw the creation of 26 burgage plots, increasing to 62 by 1316.

In 1300-1350 The castle flourished and saw major constructions during the reigns King Edward I, II, and III, including the construction of a great hall and twin-tower gatehouse.

Newcastle Emlyn Castle

In the Early 14th Century The town thrived, but its growth faced challenges from nearby places and events like the Black Death.

In 1312 Edward II commissioned a new hall, costing £50.

In 1343 A report indicated that the castle was in poor shape. Edward, the Black Prince, acquired the castle along with his new title The Prince of Wales.

The period 1347-1348 Richard de la Bere, the Prince's Chamberlain, managed a rebuilding project for the castle, including new twin-tower gatehouses. As a reward for his service, he was permitted to use the castle rent-free.

In 1382 The castle was granted to Simon Burley and ceased to be a royal property.

In 1403  Owain Glyndŵr's forces took the castle during his "war of independence", causing considerable damage before it was quickly reclaimed by Sir Thomas Carew.

Newcastle Emlyn Castle

In 1428 The castle was described as being in ruins.

In the Mid-15th Century: Gruffydd ap Nicholas, with help from the Earl of Pembrokeshire, regained control of the castle for the Welsh Lords.

In 1462 Thomas ap Gruffydd succeeded to the ownership of the castle after his father's death.

In Around 1500 Sir Rhys ap Thomas acquired the castle and remodeled it into a comfortable residence, adding large windows and a deer park

In 1521 The castle and estate passed to Sir Rhys' grandson, Sir Rhys ap Gruffydd.

In 1530 Sir Rhys ap Gruffydd was executed for treason, and his lands, including the castle, were reclaimed by the Crown, ending the era of local Welsh lords for nearly a century.

Newcastle Emlyn Castle

In 1532 A detailed survey revealed the inner ward contained a hall, chapel, and other domestic buildings.

In 1552 A chapel was noted to exist outside the castle's walls.

In the  Early 17th Century: The castle was documented as being in good condition.

In the Mid-17th Century (1640s): The castle suffered from damage during the English Civil War, with defenses added but ultimately left in ruins.

In 1644 The Royalist Sir Charles Gerard captured the castle from Parliamentary forces after several attempts, leading to it changing hands multiple times during the war.

In 1645 Major-General Rowland Laugharne besieged the castle for Parliament but was routed by Gerard in a fierce engagement below the castle walls.

In 1648 After the Royalists surrendered, Cromwell's forces destroyed the castle to prevent it from being used again. The site was neglected afterward, and locals took stones from it to build their homes.

In Around 1700: Documents indicated that the castle had been mostly dismantled by then. 

Showing the remains of Capel Bach y Drindod walls.

In 1785 The chapel was rebuilt and became known locally as 'Capel Bach y Drindod,' which means 'little Chapel of the Trinity.'

In 1830 The castle and chapel were depicted in a print, located in the parish of Cenarth.

In 1843 The parish of Newcastle Emlyn was established, and a new church was built. The chapel served as a schoolroom before it was demolished, and the area later turned into gardens.

In the Mid-19th Century (1850): The castle came under the ownership of Lord Cawdor.

During 1978-1982: Human remains were uncovered during consolidation work on the gatehouse masonry and the construction of a car park by Carmarthenshire District Council.

In 1985 The first accurate plan of the castle site was produced. Further work on the car park revealed the south wall of a chapel and five burials.

• Today: The castle exists as shattered ruins, particularly its gatehouse and adjacent towers, which remain visible. It is a significant landmark and provides communal and recreational space for the town. The legend of the last dragon in Wales, said to have been slain at the castle, is celebrated with dragon gates and sculptures within its grounds.

The legend of the Dragon:-

Gwiber Emlyn The last Dragon in Wales

There are many Dragon legends in Wales, and even our national flag has a Dragon on it.

According to local legend, Newcastle Emlyn saw the last appearance of a dragon in Wales. According to the tale, a winged creature known as a wyvern flew over the town during a fair. It landed in the castle wall and promptly fell asleep.  A brave soldier lay a red shawl on the river Teifi and hid nearby. 

The River Teifi at Emlyn Castle

When the dragon awoke it was attracted by the shawl and flew down to the river to snatch it. The soldier leapt out and speared the dragon, and the dragon's blood poisoned the river killing all the fish.

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Visit Information: -
Google Reference: -
52.0390991353816, -4.463191172963189

What Three Words reference: -
///breed.zones.flickers

OS Details: -
Grid Ref: SN 31131 40719

Additional information.
Visiting is easy as this is a car park at the castle (52.03916467192921, -4.465828214069767).

There are lots of facilities in the Town.

A full list of blogs can be found at my website

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Knowlton Church

The Knowlton Church and Earthworks in Wimborne, Dorset, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. 

It encompasses both prehistoric rituals and later Christian worship, 

and is renowned for being one of the most haunted places in Dorset.

Visit Date June 2025

Knowlton Church

The site is part of the English Heritage collection of historic locations and is renowned for its Neolithic earthworks.

The Knowlton Circles are a complex of henges and earthworks, representing a significant Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial site in southern England. Located in the Cranborne Chase area, this site boasts a high number and diversity of prehistoric archaeological remains. 

Click on any image for lager view

There are nearly 100 henges in Britain and Ireland, typically dating from about 3000 to 2000 BC. While they are generally believed to be ceremonial sites, they likely served multiple functions and may have changed roles over time.

The wider Knowlton complex contains five large circular or subcircular monuments. Three of these are henges, characterized by having banks outside their ditches: the Southern Circle (the largest), the central or Church Henge, and the Northern Circle, which is marked by a group of ancient yew trees. 

View of henge ditch and circle.

Adjacent to these henges is a smaller monument, known as the Old Churchyard, which also features an external ditch and is likely prehistoric, despite its name. On the opposite side of the central henge lies a large, tree-covered mound called the Great Barrow. This mound is the largest barrow in Dorset and is surrounded by two concentric ditches. 

Much of this is difficult to see as it is overgrown however An aerial photograph of Knowlton earthworks seen from the north-east was taken in 1995, when the dry weather revealed more earthworks.

This can be seen on the English heritage web site.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/knowlton-church-and-earthworks/history/

Knowlton Church

The choice of this location for monument construction was likely significant, possibly connected to natural features such as the River Allen and dolines (sinkholes), which may have held cosmological meaning for ancient communities. Archaeological investigations by John Gale and Bournemouth University suggest that the site evolved over time, serving as both a geographical and spiritual home for communities for approximately one thousand years. It became a major focal point for funerary complexes. 

Evidence indicates the presence of a "Beaker" period structure from the second half of the 3rd millennium BC, which may have been contemporary with the Southern Circle and was later replaced by a funerary site. 

Knowlton Church - Norman Arches

The church's Norman origins are evident in the plain round arch that leads to the east end, or chancel, as well as in the round-headed arches of the arcade that separates the nave from the north aisle. The south door also exhibits Norman characteristics. At the west end, there is a 15th-century tower constructed from flint with stone bands, and the outline of the church roof is clearly visible on the eastern face of the tower.

The church was intentionally built in the heart of a former pagan site, illustrating how early Christians sought to convert the local population by repurposing existing pagan places of worship and incorporating them into their faith. Standing stones, which had been sacred for millennia, were reportedly broken apart and used in the church's construction, while others were toppled and buried. This "curious pairing" of the henge and the church symbolizes the transition from pagan to Christian worship.

Knowlton Church - Showing stone

On the northern edge of the site, it is possible to see a stone left on the ground, a possible remnant of the Neolithic site? The top of another stone can been seen alongside which is buried well below the ground.

Knowlton Church - Yew Trees and tributes

To the north of the church and possibly marking a northern entrance, two yew trees stand as a poignant reminder of those we cherish. People have been leaving heartfelt tributes and memorials, adorning the trees with ribbons and plaques that reflect their love and memories. It’s a touching tribute to the bonds that connect us all.

Knowlton Church

A thriving community once existed in the village of Knowlton. However, the population was decimated by the Black Death in the late 15th century, leading the few surviving inhabitants to abandon the village and migrate elsewhere. Their houses fell into decay and were eventually plowed into the earth, with only vague traces of the foundations still visible to the west of the church. Despite this decline, Knowlton Church continued to attract a congregation for several more centuries, serving as a place of worship until the 17th century, or possibly even the 18th century, when its roof collapsed, after which it was abandoned. Today, it remains a "melancholy ruin."

Knowlton Church - N/W view

Knowlton Church is well-known for its haunted history, with numerous individuals claiming to have encountered paranormal events there. A "spiritual paradox" is evident, as the attempts of early holy men to impose Christianity over pagan beliefs ultimately failed, leaving the church in ruins.

Knowlton Church - Detail

There have been many reported sightings at the ruin.

A phantom horse and rider are said to gallop across the site in the dead of night, passing straight through the church.

A ghostly face has been witnessed peering from the top window of the tower.

The shade of a weeping woman, sometimes described as a nun, has been seen kneeling outside the church.

A phantom black dog has been sighted in the area.

A mysterious cloaked man has been spotted walking around the outside of the church, sometimes in daylight hours, before vanishing. Witnesses have commented on a "truly menacing aura" emanating from him.

In the 19th century, there is a story about thieves who tried to steal a large brass bell from the church tower. However, the bell fell into a river and could not be retrieved. It is said to ring from the ruined tower on stormy nights.

Knowlton Church - Detail

 Paranormal groups investigating the site have reported experiences of being surrounded by swirling white mist and hearing ethereal voices. In November 2020, paranormal investigator Jeff Higgins and his son, Stephen, visited the church at night and recorded what they believe to be a ghost on camera. They noticed movement from the left side of the frame to the right. Additionally, they recorded exceptionally high readings on their K2 and Mel meters, which measure electromagnetic fields, with the Mel meter reaching a level of 50.8, a reading described as "unheard of." Jeff believes this could indicate an "intelligent haunting," meaning the entity is aware of its surroundings and can interact with the environment. Some locals speculate that the henge itself serves as a "ghost trap," confining spirits within the circle.

Many people have said that the atmosphere was eerie on their visit or that they felt unsettled or uncomfortable here. I have to say I did not feel any of that; it just seemed a pleasant, quiet place.

Footer:Visit Information: -
Google Reference: -
50.89215795000064, -1.9670242050628584

What Three Words reference: -
///recapture.waking.starters

OS Details: -
Grid Ref: SU 02382 10281 elevation 193ft

Additional information.
Visiting is easy and there is a lay-by at the site (50.89156612457617, -1.9682256414495787).
Access easy from here.
The site is well signposted off the B3078 in the small village.


There are no facilities at this site.

A full list of blogs can be found at my website

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Harold's Stones

Harold's Stones

In the village of Trellech, three megaliths stand. The village likely got its name from these stones, translating to either 'village of stones' or 'three stones.' The name derives from 'tri' (Welsh for three) and 'llech' (meaning flat stone).

Visit Date January 2025

Harold's Stones : Trellech

These three large standing stones in a 12-metre alignment, all three are leaning at angles but it is unlikely that this is deliberate.

Harold's Stones : Trellech

Although a relatively small village in modern times, Trellech in Monmouthshire was one of the largest towns in Wales in the 13th century.

Harold's stones are in a 12-metre alignment with a possible fourth stone being robbed away or destroyed in the late 18th century. The stones are of a conglomerate rock that's known as pudding stone. All the stones lean at different angles with the tallest being over 4 metres in height. 

Harold's Stones : Trellech

A font in the local church has a carving of the stones with the stones numbered 8, 10 and 14 which is thought to be the height of each stone at that time.

Harold's Stones : Trellech

The precise reason for the erection of the stones is unknown however, they may have been for ritual, though an astronomical use is not out of the question.

The stones create an approximate line running between the north-east and south-west at an azimuth of about 229°, likely indicating the midwinter sunset, although the possibility of the midsummer sunrise cannot be dismissed due to the imprecise alignment today due to the movement.

Harold's Stones : Trellech

The central stone of the three has been dressed to smooth its surface and bears two large cup marks on its face.

Harold's Stones : Trellech

There is much folklore associated with the stones.

The origin of the name "Harold's Stones" remains a mystery. Local legend suggests that these stones were erected to commemorate the victory of the Saxon king Harold over the Britons. However, this theory is unlikely, as the stones date back at least 2,000 years before Harold's time. Another legend claims that they mark the location where three British chieftains fell in battle against Harold. Despite being associated with Harold's victory over the Britons, the stones are much older than that.

Click on any image for a larger version

As another story goes, Jack o'Kent, a giant, quarrelled with the Devil on Trellech Beacon, which is the hill located directly east of Trellech. The Devil challenged Jack to a throwing match. Jack threw first, but the Devil managed to throw his object a bit farther. However, Jack, probably with his eyes closed and one hand behind his back, threw just a bit farther than the Devil. In frustration, the Devil ran off.

The location of this event varies depending on who tells the story. Some versions claim that the competition took place on Sugar Loaf Mountain, while a third version cites Skirrid Fawr, also known as Holy Mountain, as the site of the contest.

Footer:Visit Information: -
Google Reference: -
51.74277538693781, -2.7265470451085365

What Three Words reference: -
///jeep.pylon.streetcar

OS Details: -
OS Grid Ref: SO 49927 05145 Elevation: 206 m 

Additional information.

Visiting is easy and there is a public car park close to the site (51.74405088914131, -2.7246217913570847) There is just a short walk along the road to the site however, this has no pavement so care will be needed. The site is marked with a monument sign.

There are no facilities at the site but there is a pub in the village and also you may be lucky enough to have tea in the village hall!

A full list of blogs can be found at my website

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Arthur's Stone

Like many prehistoric monuments in western England and Wales, 

this monument has been linked to King Arthur. 

According to the 13th-century legend, it was here that Arthur slew a giant, 

who left the impression of his elbows on one of the stones as he fell.

Others suggest the indentations were left by Arthur's 

knees or elbows as he knelt there to pray.

Visit Date January 2025

 

Arthur's Stone

The tomb dated around 3500 BC is much like many others of this type of structure often referred to as Chromlechs, Quoits or Dolmens and is made up of a large capstone perhaps weighing around 25 tons supported not by the more common 3 or 4 uprights but 9 uprights.

Click on any image for larger view

The entrance to the tomb is through a curved, 4.6 m (15 ft) long entrance passageway.

Arthur's Stone

This is not uncommon but seems to deviate from many of these types of tombs which would have a straight entrance-way.

Click on any image for larger view

The site would have been covered with a great mound of earth which has either been eroded over the centuries or exposed much earlier. Modern investigations had not been carried out on this structure until 2022/2023, when investigations led by the Universities of Manchester and Cardiff were carried out.

Arthur's Stone

It was found that it is likely the tomb has been altered since the original single burial chamber Dolmen. The original entrance would have been north-facing however it is now thought that the structure was later converted into a long cairn and the entrance to this new structure faced south.

More work may be done to confirm this.

Arthur's Stone possible original entrance

During these excavations near the long entrance, there was found evidence of a dry stone wall structure. This had been carefully constructed and was thought to have had some symbolic meaning, perhaps the stones were brought as some sort of memorial to the dead.

The curved passageway seems to be part of this later addition.

Arthur's Stone, Writing

As stated earlier this Neolithic monument known as Arthur’s Stone,  has long been linked to legend and literature however, if King Arthur had been at every location he is associated with he would have to have lived many lives.

Two other Arthurian structures on this blog can be found at 

https://davidsnarrative.blogspot.com/2022/10/coetan-arthur.html

and 

https://davidsnarrative.blogspot.com/2022/06/maen-ceti-arthurs-stone.html

Click on any image for larger view

These Arthurian giant-slaying escapades and the inspiring large Stone capstone or table here at this site is said to have been the inspiration on which the lion Aslan was sacrificed in C S Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. 

The site is now in the care of English Heritage

Footer:Visit Information: -
Google Reference: -
52.08230962757643, -2.9953445186919994

What Three Words reference: -
///bolsters.craters.timer

OS Details: -
OS Grid Ref: SO 31887 43123 

Additional information.

Visiting is easy and is about 11 miles from Hereford along the A438 and B4352 (Pentre lane ) and then 3/4 of a mile along Arther's Stone Lane (this is the only narrow part.

There is parking for 3/4 cars in a lay-by right next to the site. There are no facilities.

I have been told that this site can get busy in the summer months.

A full list of blogs can be found at my website

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