Castles · South Wales
Pembroke Castle
Also known as: Castell Penfro
In or near Johnston.
Pembroke Castle — medieval castle in Wales.
Wikimedia Commons contributors — see linked file page for photographer and licence licence
Plan your visit
- Typical visit
- 1.5 h–3 h
- Nearest railway station
- Pembroke · 1.1 km
- Free entry
- Family-friendly
- Limited wheelchair access
Getting there & planning your visit
To visit Pembroke Castle, the nearest railway station is Pembroke, located 1.1 km away. The postcode for sat-nav is SA71 4LB. Accessibility is limited for wheelchair users.
About
Pembroke Castle is a castle in the United Kingdom — fortified architecture from the medieval, Tudor, or Victorian-revival period. Records date its origin to 1093. Heritage designation: scheduled monument. Owned by Walter Marshal, 5th Earl of Pembroke. Managed by Pembroke Castle Trust. Wikidata describes it as: "medieval castle in Wales". Coordinates: 51.6769°, -4.9206°.
Photo gallery
Heritage listing
Pembroke Castle (Welsh: Castell Penfro) is a medieval castle in the centre of Pembroke, Pembrokeshire in Wales. The castle was the original family seat of the Earldom of Pembroke. A Grade I listed building since 1951, it underwent major restoration during the early 20th century. In 1093, Arnulf of Montgomery built the first castle at the site when he fortified the promontory beside the Pembroke River during the Norman invasion of Wales. A century later, the castle was given by Richard I to William Marshal, who became one of the most powerful men in 12th-century Britain. He rebuilt Pembroke Castle in stone, creating most of the structure that remains today.
From Cadw under OGL v3.
Summary from the official site
Pembroke Castle, established in 1093, is a historic fortress in Wales known for its impressive architecture and rich history. Visitors can explore the Great Keep, join free guided tours, and learn about significant historical events, including the birth of Henry VII and the English Civil War. The castle also features the Dungeon Tower and Wogan Cavern, which is currently closed for archaeological work.
Read more on the official property page.
From the Wikipedia article
Pembroke Castle (Welsh: Castell Penfro) is a medieval castle in the centre of Pembroke, Pembrokeshire in Wales. The castle was the original family seat of the Earldom of Pembroke. A Grade I listed building since 1951, it underwent major restoration during the early 20th century. In 1093, Arnulf of Montgomery built the first castle at the site when he fortified the promontory beside the Pembroke River during the Norman invasion of Wales. A century later, the castle was given by Richard I to William Marshal, who became one of the most powerful men in 12th-century Britain. He rebuilt Pembroke Castle in stone, creating most of the structure that remains today. The castle is open to the public and is the largest privately owned castle in Wales.
Excerpt from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. See the source article linked in Sources below.
Background
History
Pembroke Castle stands on a site that was occupied during the Roman period, and recent discoveries in Wogan Cave underneath the castle show humans occupied the site at the end of the last ice age. Roger of Montgomery founded the first castle here in 1073. The castle was established at the heart of the Norman-controlled lands of southwest Wales. When William Rufus died, Arnulf de Montgomery joined his elder brother, Robert of Bellême, in rebellion against Henry I, William's brother and successor as king; when the rebellion failed, he was forced to forfeit his lands and titles. Henry appointed his castellan, but when the chosen ally turned out to be incompetent, the King reappointed Gerald in…
Architecture
The castle is sited on a strategic rocky promontory by the Milford Haven Waterway. The first fortification on the site was a Norman motte-and-bailey. It had earthen ramparts and a timber palisade. The inner ward, which was constructed in 1189, contains the huge round keep with its domed roof. Its original first-floor entrance was through an external stairwell. Inside, a spiral staircase connected its four stories. The keep's domed roof also has several putlog holes that supported a wooden fighting-platform. The inner ward's curtain wall had a large horseshoe-shaped gateway. But only a thin wall was required along the promontory. This section of the wall has a small observation turret and a…
Sourced from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Coordinates
- 51.6769, -4.9206
- District
- Pembrokeshire
- Parish
- Pembroke
- Postcode
- SA71 4LB
- Parliamentary constituency
- Mid and South Pembrokeshire
- Established
- 1093
- Nearest railway station
- Pembroke — 1.1 km
- Opening
- Daily 9.30am–5.30pm
- Official site
- pembrokecastle.co.uk
Sources
- wikidata: Q1422235 (CC0)
- wikipedia: Pembroke Castle (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- commons: PembrokeCastle 2007.jpg (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Other places nearby
Wogan Cavern
Caves · 0.0 km
Flemish Cottage
Historic houses · 0.1 km
The Town Quay
Marinas · 0.1 km
The North Quay
Marinas · 0.1 km
Haggar's Cinema
Theatres · 0.2 km
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St Mary's Church
Historic churches · 0.2 km
The Old Kings Arms Hotel
Hotels · 0.2 km
Monkton Old Hall
Gardens · 0.2 km
Pembroke Museum
Museums · 0.2 km
Priory Church of Saint Nicholas
Historic churches · 0.3 km
Priory Farmhouse
Literary houses · 0.3 km
Priory Farm Cave
Caves · 0.4 km
Nearby
📷 5Caves · South Wales
Wogan Cavern
Wogan Cavern — a cave broad in wales-south, United Kingdom.
📷 3Historic houses · South Wales
Flemish Cottage
Flemish Cottage — house in Pembroke, Wales.
📷 5Marinas · South Wales
The Town Quay
Grade II listed building in Pembrokeshire. On the S side of the estuary just E of Pembroke Castle.
📷 5Marinas · South Wales
The North Quay
Grade II listed building in Pembrokeshire. On the N side of the estuary just W of Mill Bridge.
📷 3Theatres · South Wales
Haggar's Cinema
Haggar's Cinema in Wales South, United Kingdom.
📷 4Historic churches · South Wales
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church — church in Pembroke, Wales.
Where to eat & stay near Pembroke Castle
Places to stay
📷 7Hotels · South Wales
The Old Kings Arms Hotel
The Old Kings Arms Hotel — a hotel in wales south.
📷 5
📷 5
📷 5Caravan parks · South Wales
Windmill Hill Caravan Park
Windmill Hill Caravan Park — a caravan park in wales south.
📷 5
📷 5Campsites · South Wales
Stackpole Under The Stars
Stackpole Under The Stars — a campsite in wales south.
Places to eat & drink
📷 5
📷 7
📷 7Restaurants · South Wales
The Stone Crab
The Stone Crab — a restaurant in wales south.
📷 3
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Frequently asked questions
- Where is Pembroke Castle?
- Pembroke Castle is in South Wales, United Kingdom (postcode SA71 4LB), in the parish of Pembroke.
- What is Pembroke Castle?
- Pembroke Castle — medieval castle in Wales.
- How do I get to Pembroke Castle?
- The nearest railway station is Pembroke, about 1.1 km away. Drivers can use postcode SA71 4LB.
- When was Pembroke Castle built?
- Built or established in 1093.
- Who owns Pembroke Castle?
- Pembroke Castle is owned by Walter Marshal, 5th Earl of Pembroke and operated by Pembroke Castle Trust.
- Is Pembroke Castle a listed building?
- Pembroke Castle is officially recognised as scheduled monument listed.
- Does Pembroke Castle charge admission?
- Pembroke Castle typically charges admission. Check the official site for current ticket prices and opening hours.
- How do I get to Pembroke Castle?
- The nearest railway station is Pembroke, about 1.1 km away. Drivers can navigate to postcode SA71 4LB.