There’s not much to see now of the castle at Nevern. But for almost a century, a complex and dramatic story of treachery, prosperity, family feuds and celebrations was played out on this promontory in north Pembrokeshire.
1108: Norman colonists built banks and motte with wooden palisades and tower
Turmhügelburg. – Photo: Wy / Wikipedia
Forty years after the 1066 conquest of England, the Normans were still trying to subjugate Wales. Norman King Henry I authorized Robert FitzMartin to take control of Cemaes, the north of what is now Pembrokeshire. FitzMartin chose Nevern at which to build a stronghold for his forces.
It became an important hub with impressive stone buildings, battled over by Welsh and Normans
Conquering the Welsh wasn’t easy. After Henry I died, the Normans were distracted by a long feud over the English crown. At the Battle of Crug Mawr in 1136, the Welsh decisively took back control, and occupied the castles at Cardigan and Nevern. Gruffydd, and later his son Rhys, were prominent leaders.
1196: Burned to the ground after ninety years. Has been farm land ever since
Eventually the Normans returned. An uneasy truce was established when William FitzMartin married Rhys’ daughter Angharad. But as soon as William went off to fight in the crusades, Rhys re-occupied Nevern. He and his sons then fought between themselves, finally destroying the castle.
1980: Nevern Community Council bought the site for the benefit of the community
Together with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, and Cadw (the Welsh Government’s historic environment service) Nevern Community Council has worked hard to look after the site and open it up for all to enjoy.
Join the Friends of Nevern Castle to help conserve and manage the site.
2008-2018: Archaeological digs uncover the varied history and changing structure of the castle
Dr Chris Caple of Durham University led the excavations. Many artefacts were discovered, providing a fascinating glimpse of life in the castle. The findings also showed the development of the buildings and walls and their construction by Norman and Welsh techniques.
Now a space of peace and tranquillity
A few people have lived and farmed here over the centuries. Now it is home to walkers and wildlife. Little can be seen of the castle except for the banks, ditches, and the motte. Trees grow where there were once fine halls and commanding views over the countryside. Come and enjoy the peace; and remember our history!
What you can see today
The Square Tower
On a rocky outcrop at the eastern side of the castle, you can see the remains of a square stone tower, built in the later years of the castle’s life. This was the most secure part of the castle, with steep slopes all round. The deep ditch between the tower and the bailey was cut into the rock by hand; you can still see the pick marks.
The bailey
Protected by banks and walls on two sides, and steep slopes on the other two, the castle’s bailey – the flat area watched over by the towers – was where the daily life of the castle took place.
Halls, houses, stables, and workshops occupied this space. At first they were made of wood, but later more strongly built in stone.
Banks and ditches
The first part of the castle to be built was the motte, a mound of earth with a lookout tower on top. Defensive banks and ditches surrounded the motte and the bailey. Later in the castle’s life, this round tower was rebuilt in stone and used also as living quarters.
Now only the base of the tower can be seen.
Latest news and articles
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BBQadmin2 Sep 2024Friends of Nevern Castle held the annual barbecue on the August bank holiday Monday. An interesting mixture of local residents and visitors from distant parts, including several young families, came to sit in the bailey and eat delicious beefburgers, sausages and rather good beanburgers.
Food and drinks were served by members of the Friends committee and members of Nevern Community Council, who own the site. -
Square Tower repairedadmin21 Jul 2024Repairs to the Square Tower have recently been completed. Part of the original wall was undergoing a gradual collapse.
We hope that this will mean that the visible parts of our castle are protected for a good while into the future. The work was supervised by Chris Caple, and PCNPA’s community achaeologist Tomos Jones, and carried out by local artisans RTS Lime Conservation. -
Guidebook publishedadmin21 Jul 2024A guidebook to Nevern Castle written by the archaeologist Dr Chris Caple has now been published. It is available in English and Welsh and is on sale for £10.
Copies are available from Newport Visitor Information Centre; the Trewern Arms; Castell Henllys; and from Nevern Memorial Hall opposite the church, when it is open for coffee mornings. -
Friends’ AGM 12th JulyFriends of Nevern Castle15 Jun 2024We held our AGM at the Trewern Arms on 12th July. Thanks as always to the Trewern for hosting us.
Our chair Katharine Whitehead reviewed activities over the year, including telling people about the Castle at various shows; publication of Chris Caple's guide book to the castle; the repair of the Square Tower; and scrub clearance. -
Craft fair 2nd Marchadmin1 Feb 2024There will be a craft market at the village hall on 2nd March, with the church bells as an acoustic backdrop. Information and tours of the castle will be on offer.
The village hall is at the end of Nevern nearest the bridge. From the Trewern Arms (SA42 0NB), cross the bridge and look to your right. -
Nevern before the NormansRhiannon Comeau21 Dec 2023Dr Rhiannon Comeau
In the area around Nevern Castle, the estates of Robert FitzMartin’s knights very likely originate in the pre-Conquest lands of Nevern church. Dr Rhiannon Comeau investigated Bayvil as part of her PhD research into pre-Norman Cemais. -
Making Sense of the FragmentsChris Caple11 Dec 2023A talk given in July 2023 at the Trewern Arms, Nevern, by Chris Caple, chief archaeologist at Nevern Castle. -
Clearing the scrubFriends of Nevern CastleScrub clearance at Nevern Castle28 Nov 2023On a sunny and cool morning in November 2023, nine volunteers and a very enthusiastic spaniel helped PCNPA ranger Richard Vaughan and community archaeologist Tomos Jones to hack at brambles and saplings near the paths at Nevern Castle.
Several came from different parts of Pembrokeshire to lend a hand, and stories were exchanged of digs and clearances on all sides. Lunch was very pleasant at the picnic tables, and we went home well exercised and, if not exactly sun-tanned, nevertheless having enjoyed time in the fresh air. -
Nevern Show 2023Friends of Nevern CastleNevern Show 20239 Aug 2023Once again, Friends of Nevern Castle took a stand at Nevern Show, to promote knowledge of the castle and connect with visitors and local residents who might not know of it. Gaynor, Mick, Kath and Alan chatted to people who'd turned out on a very pleasant day to enjoy the competitions, crafts, and exhibitors at the lively Show.
We talked to lots of people! Of the 35 conversations we made a note of: -
Castles come to WalesFriends of Nevern Castle24 Jul 2023A devastating innovation
The castle was an important tool of conquest. Initially built quickly in wood, it served as a base for the invading soldiers, a place to protect their equipment and provisions, and a place to defend from counter-attacks.
Images © Dr Chris Caple except where noted otherwise.
[PCNPA]: © Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
