Pembroke Castle

By Anita Grace Simpson

Pembroke Castle has been important to many eras of British history. After the Norman Conquest of England, the invaders spread north and west. In 1093, Roger de Montgomery began building the first fortification at Pembroke using earth and timber. The castle was used as a base when the Normans began their forays into Ireland. It withstood two sieges before the initial earthworks and timber construction was replaced by stone.

In 1189, the Earl of Pembroke, William Marshal began the conversion of the castle, and the result was an impressive stone fortress. He built the Great Tower, featuring a domed roof, as well as most of the inner ward. All five of his sons inherited the castle, but it was his third son, Gilbert, who continued William's construction work.

The castle was acquired by William de Valence when he married William Marshal's granddaughter. The Valence family continued to improve the castle, constructing a curtain wall with several round towers around the outer ward. They also fortified the town of Pembroke with walls and gates. After 70 years, the castle became the property of the Hastings family, but the last of their line died in 1389 and Pembroke Castle reverted to the Crown.

Owain Glyndwr's uprising in 1400 inspired arming of the castle (which had fallen into some disrepair) against Welsh attack. However, the attack was

avoided when the castle Constable paid Glyndwr to spare Pembroke.

Henry VI's half-brother, Jasper Tewdwr (Tudor), was made Earl of Pembroke in 1453. He lost the title twice during the wars of the Roses, since he was a Lancastrian, but during his time as earl, the future Henry VII was born in Pembroke Castle. He regained the earldom when Henry VII succeeded to the throne, but when he died without heirs, the castle was given to the Prince of Wales.

Henry VIII removed the title of Earl of Pembroke, and the castle lost its place in history for a time, until the earldom was restored in 1551, with William Herbert as 1st Earl of Pembroke in the new creation. The Herberts continue to hold the title to this day.

When the Civil War began, Pembroke initially declared its support for Parliament, but when no reward was forthcoming from the rebels, the town switched sides and Pembroke Castle was besieged by Cromwell and his army. The barbican and towers sustained considerable damage during the seven-week siege.

The castle was abandoned, and local citizens began to use its stone for their own construction. In 1880, J.R. Cobb conducted some restoration, but the most important period of rebuilding began in 1928, when Sir Ivor Philipps purchased the ruins of Pembroke Castle. The restoration was remarkably Photograph: Will Iredale successful; today, the walls and towers are almost as they were during the peak of the castle's history.

Pembroke Castle is owned by a private trust; it is open year round for visitors to view the expanse of history represented by its buildings and grounds.

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