SKENFRITH

 Skenfrith is a tiny little castle, standing in the countryside with half a dozen houses and a pretty little church. That's not to say, the castle wasn't important in it's day. There's not much to see there, so entry is free. It's a lovely spot though.

Skenfrith Castle is the only low-lying fortress of the three castles of Skenfrith, Grosmont and White Castle, now known as the castles of the Trilateral.

Initially the work of Norman William FitzOsbern, who had control of the Marches in the early 12th century. Sadly, nothing has survived. What we see today at Skenfrith Castle was constructed by another Norman lord, Hubert de Burgh, a structure composed of a four-sided curtain wall (with its towers) and the fascinating round keep which dominates the interior.

In 1239 the castle was seized by King Henry III, who in 1244 placed a lead roof on top of the king’s tower or central keep. This round tower in the middle of the castle was the last part of the fortress constructed by Hubert Burgh, and is not, as is often stated, built on the old castle motte. The recent excavations conclusively proved that this tower was built on top of the thirteenth century gravel used to infill the first castle of 1219.

Although Skenfrith seems small, when compared with its siblings, Grosmont and White, it is equally impressive.

Hubert de Burgh had a chequered career serving the Norman monarchy in Wales. Perhaps his greatest achievement (aside from the castles) was his success against French forces led by King Philip Augustus. After de Burgh's triumph, King Henry II granted de Burgh full rights to Skenfrith, White and Grosmont Castles. From 1219 to 1232 the Norman lord remodelled the earth and timber castle at Skenfrith into the enchanting site that survives today. Not surprisingly, de Burgh patterned his new castle at Skenfrith after ones he had encountered in France, which were dominated by round towers. 

The pretty church of St. Bridget, built in the early 13th. century, is said to be one of the oldest churches in continuous use in Wales.