Castell y Bere, Wales.

Castell y Bere was built by Llewellyn the Great around 1221. The castle comprises two D-shaped Welsh towers, a round tower, and a rectangular tower at the highest point of the site. The D-shaped tower is a feature of native Welsh castles. The castle's design was dictated by its high, narrow location.

Castell y Bere was built by Llewellyn the Great to protect the mountain trade routes between the Kingdom of Gwynedd and Powys Wenwynwyn and Deheubarth. But when Edward I invaded Wales in 1277, the castle was besieged in April 1283 by English forces.

Dafydd ap Gruffydd had retreated to Castell y Bere after the capture of Dolwyddelan Castle in January 1283. He escaped but the castle's constable, Cynfrig ap Madog, was forced to surrender after agreeing terms. Edward I ordered the castle be refortified and garrisoned and a small town developed around its base.

In 1294, Welsh leader Madoc ap Llywelyn laid siege to Castell y Bere. The uprising seriously damaged the castle burning all the buildings within the castle's inner courtyard.

After the revolt the castle was abandoned and left to ruin.

Today the outline of the castle, its towers, curtain wall and gateways are clearly visible.

Opening Times

Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

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Ticket Prices

Admission is Free

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Disabled Facilities

http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/castellybere/?skip=1&lang=en

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More Information

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