Penmark castle was one of the earliest sites I examined whilst writing for the Barry and District Newspaper back on the October 8, 2021; yes, that long ago. This castle is thus that one of the only copybook defended Medieval fortresses in this part of the Vale of Glamorgan.
Located behind the church, and north of the village of Penmark, it is found on level ground until its northerly stone battlements give way to the 30m drop of the River Weycock valley beyond.
The image this week is looking inside which historians describe of all things as a ‘latrine tower’ over 7 metres tall still. Whether I buy the description of its use is something else. After 800 years some one-metre-wide walls here are still standing, in part held in place by a jungle of ivy.
Generally, not open to the public, as it’s in private ownership, it is in a very precarious and dangerous state, with walls slowly becoming displaced due to the invasive nature of the Ivy. It’s best to ask in The Six Bells Inn to see if the owner of the castle is about, to see if they can give permission for a wander around. But please stay away from the walls and keep safe.
Odd family names are abounded with this sprawling set of archaeological remains including one called the Umfraville, the believed founders of the Medieval Norman hub sometime in the very early 1100s. Historically unlike many castles in Cymru it does not have a great colourful history, most of what is recorded to be hearsay.
With the way of most Norman sites in Glamorgan they started off as an earth and timber form. Although, Penmark Castle is the least archaeologically excavated of such sites.
We can safely say that by the 1500s the castle as a place to live was falling out of fashion. Although, it would have seen occupation for at least another few 100 years. The sad fact is, bit by bit the masonry of this once large castle for the region, was looted of masonry to continue building the village of Penmark.
But, years since it has been a useful place to keep pigeons and doves in their very own square Dovecotte, and to grow apple trees; of which some old variety still grow within the castle grounds.
Thank-you for joining us this week for a venture into our district, within the Barry and District landscape.
