Manorbier Castle, Wales

The Norman knight Odo de Barri was granted the lands of Manorbier, Penally and Begelly in gratitude for his military help in conquering Pembrokeshire after 1003.
Initially he constructed a Motte-and-bailey on the site which had a wooden keep defended by a palisade and earthworks embankments.

Two of his sons acquired larger estates in Ireland, which became the main power base of the de Barris, known as the Barris of Olethan. It was William de Barri, who began work on the stone fortification in the early part of the 12th century.

In 1146 Odo's 4th son fourth son Gerald de Barri "Gerald of Wales" was born at the castle. He was a great scholar and is renowned today for his chronicles and descriptions of life in his time.

In the castle's history, it was only attacked twice; both were minor skirmishes. In 1327, Richard de Barri assaulted Manorbier in a dispute over family succession. Then 300 years later during the English Civil War, the castle was seized in 1645 by Parliamentarian forces.

Through the 17th and 18th centuries Manorbier was allowed to decay. However in 1880, the castle was partially restored by J.R.Cobb, a tenant who carried out repairs on the buildings and walls.

Opening Times

Daily from 8th April 2011 - 1st October 2011.
10.00am to 6.00pm
The castle closes on some Saturdays and occasional Sundays due to private functions - please phone ahead and check.

Visit website for more information

Ticket Prices

£4.00 adults
£1.50 children
£3.00 senior citizens

Visit website for more information

Disabled Facilities

Visit website for more information

More Information

Telephone: 01834 871394

Visit website for more information