One of the nearest castles to where I live is Ewloe. Unlike the great fortifications erected by the Plantagenet kings, this castle was constructed by the Welsh using their own design. On the border of Wales and England, the Welsh princes hoped to defend their territory using the castle, but instead they retreated further inland and abandoned the castle. The English preferred their coastal fortresses in Flint and Rhuddlan and let Ewloe fall into ruin, robbed of most of its stone.
Who built it? Much speculation for sometime and the theory is Llewellyn ab Gruffudd (how to say it: ll=l with a sideways hiss at the same time and dd=th) around 1257. This was the last Llewellyn prince, the grandson of Llewellyn the Great, who almost ruled over all of Wales (Wales’ tendency to split kingdoms between all sons, including illegitimate ones didn’t help unite Wales against the English). These princes, who battled amongst themselves as much as the English, are wonderful fodder for stories. My favourite series is written by Sharon Penman, the first is Here be Dragons.
As for the castle, it remains surrounded by ancient woodland and is a popular place for walking dogs….and children. The remains of the keep and tower are all but hidden until you begin to climb the steep embankment. My heart usually pounds as I climb the steps (a modern addition) whilst kids charge up with youthful exuberance. Due to the trees, there aren’t any great views, which must have influenced the decision to abandon the castle to its fate, but there is a sense of being on top of the world, even though the hill isn’t exactly a monster.
If there is one thing you find yourself wanting to say while admiring the treetops – I’m the king of the castle and you’re the dirty rascal – then Ewloe is probably the place to say it.
Another lovely place. I really must visit your country one of these days! But today, I need to practice my “sideways hissing!” Loved that, and I love your photos, too!
LikeLike
Welsh is a challenging language and lovely to listen to, very musical. Hope you can visit one day.
LikeLike
The ruins look more like those I’ve seen of abbeys than a castle. Infighting does tend to kill kingdoms faster than invaders, doesn’t it 🙂
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
LikeLike
Castles and abbeys are very similar in scale and masonry. If I survive this challenge, I might tackle abbeys next year!
LikeLike
Know it too! Lovely place, full of history.. 😊
LikeLike
It’s a little gem, hidden in the woods 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It looks as though it holds many stories and many mysteries.
Mason
Alex’s Ninja Minion
LikeLike
Lots of history in the area, other castles too.
LikeLike
Got entangled in the sideways hiss…bravo on doing so much research!
LikeLike
I hope you didn’t lose your tongue! I like research, something of a thing for me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If walls could only speak! A hidden gem.
Keith’s Ramblings : 3 obscure E words
LikeLike
They’d have much to say!
LikeLike
Beautiful place. So interesting all the information here. I could just imagine how amazing a feeling must be to see the place — imagine the history — in person.
LikeLike
Most castles are highly visible, this one is hidden, it makes it extra special, easier to image history.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enchanting place. You just know there are stories hidden here 🙂
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter – Jazz Age Jazz
LikeLike
The area is filled with history, from Roman times to the industrial revolution, it’s a fascinating valley.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a pretty spot. Thanks for sharing the history of the castle.
LikeLike
Very pretty, thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such an amazing place! Don’t know if I’d want to say that but those pics brought me a sense of inner peace…
LikeLike
Up there, it can be very peaceful, which is odd given the purpose of a castle is military.
LikeLiked by 1 person