Visit Pembroke Castle


A brief history

The massive fortifications of Pembroke Castle are still very evident and they are a far cry from the first castle erected there by Arnulph de Montgomery in 1097 which was a small timber and turf Norman fortress with the creek on one side and the river on the other. In 1189 Pembroke Castle was acquired by William Marshall who became Lord Marshall of England and Earl of Pembroke. He began to turn the earth and wood fort into an impressive Norman stone castle with a massive cylindrical tower and stone dome.

In 1457 Henry Richmond, who was to become Henry VII, Britain's first Tudor monarch, was born at Pembroke. At the age of 15 he found himself the main Lancastrian contender for the throne but was forced to flee to France to escape the Yorkists as they besieged the castle. Fourteen years later he returned and marched with his army to Bosworth where he defeated Richard III.

By the start of the Civil War in 1642 the local residents had become disenchanted with monarchs and Pembroke declared for Cromwell, the only town in Wales to do so. The castle was duly garrisoned by the Mayor, John Poyer, and held out for four years. Then, during the second phase of the Civil War in 1648, Poyer inexplicably switched his allegiance to the Royalists. This was a bad blow for Cromwell and since Pembroke was considered to be almost impregnable, it took all his force and expertise to achieve its downfall.

During the subsequent fighting the Barbican Gate, five towers in the outer ward and the inner curtain were blown up. Of the two towers the Prison Tower is still intact while all that remains of the Horse Shoe Tower are the foundations. Vandals completed the destruction started by Cromwell.

Thanks to the efforts of Major-General Sir Ivor Philipps Pembroke Castle was restored to its former glory. Sir Philipps had purchased the castle in 1928 and by the outbreak of World War II restoration work was complete. In 1969 Sir Philipps daughter put the castle into a Private Charitable Trust, administered by members of the family and representatives of Pembroke Town.



Attractions in and around Pembroke Castle

CASTLE RUINS

Pembroke Castle is a very well preserved medieval castle and a lot of effort has been made to bring the history of the castle to life. Allow at least 3 hours for your visit.

NOT TO BE MISSED

  • Imposing five storey keep with domed roof
  • A complex Gatehouse that dominates the Main Street of Pembroke
  • Historical displays in the Gatehouse Rooms
  • A maze of tunnels, towers and battlements
  • A Circular path around the mill pond
  • Wogan's Cavern, a large subterranean cave under the castle, accessed by a narrow spiral staircase


Location

Pembroke Castle
Pembroke, Prembrokeshire, SA71 4LA

Official Website: Pembroke Castle