Medieval History

I got to choose an event for Mothers Day this year and decided on a walk here. This is Caergwrle Castle. Estimated to have been built in the late 13th century by Dafydd ap Gruffydd it stands on one of two sandstone hills in the village and commands fantastic views to the north and south. To the west is Hope Mountain with a peak of 330m and to the east is the hillfort Caer Estyn, situated on the twin hill. The River Alyn runs between the castle and the hillfort. While similar in structure to other castles I have visited every castle is unique and I found the size, design and location of this fortification to be very impressive. The slopes of the hill are tree covered and as such surrounding noise pollution is somewhat dimmed by the bird song. It was very easy to let your imagination take you back in time and imagine yourself at the site centuries ago, admiring the view and keeping a close eye out for any advancing enemy. Time was a factor on the day of our visit however we look...

Last night we went to Holt Castle to listen to a talk given by Steve Grenter, Wrexham Heritage Service Manager, on the history and archaeology of Holt Castle. The castle is situated on the banks of the River Dee, on the Welsh side of the border. The castle was built between 1282 and 1311 by John de Warren, an Earl of Surrey, and the castle appears almost unique in Britain for its unusual pentagonal design.  Online records relating to John de Warren's life and death are conflicting and at this time I am unsure whether he was the 6th, 7th or 8th Earl of Surrey (various online resources differ on this particular point) and as such will refer to my books in due course. What is clear is that a John de Warren was very significant in the life of Edward I and was awarded lands in North Wales along with other Marcher Lords. Holt Castle was constructed as a headquarters for the Earl in Wales. The remains of the castle are limited to the remnant central courtyard area whic...

After writing up my notes I fancied a spot of medieval revision and have been going over some old photos of the home of one of my historical heroes Roger Mortimer 1st Earl of March. The tree that stands alone is now sadly dead. It is an elm that has succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease, its death occurred in just a year between visits.