Usk castle Wales

Usk castle was built on the site of a Celtic iron-age fort by Tristram Fitz Rolf the standard bearer to William of Normandy (title Lord of Usk) and Richard de Clare one of Williams knights. (The Normans had reached Usk soon after the battle of Hastings 1066).The Normans Firstly followed their standard practice of building a wooden Motte and Bailey fort until the local area could be secured. Late after the square stone keep was built around 1115 and modified continually according to needs.

View from the Garrison Tower of Usk Castle Wales toward Usk village

Welsh Prince (would be King) Owen Glyndower attacked Usk town in 1405. The garrison of the castle moved to the town and gave battle killing fifteen hundred of Owens force executing any taken prisoner.

Glyndower's own son was taken and the losses ended any chance of a future Welsh throne. Later Richard Duke of York stayed here during the Plantaginet wars and in 1483 the castle became the possession of King Richard III.

In 1554 Queen Catherine Parr became the owner and after her death the castle fell into decline. So much so that during the Civil War of 1642 Oliver Cromwell did not destroy it as he had done with all other Welsh castles as it posed little threat.

View of Usk Castle Wales banqueting hall.

The previous invaders of the area were the 20th Roman Legion, who also built a large fort at Usk and called it Burrium, this fort forming part of a defensive network designed to keep the warlike Celts at bay. (The main force moved to the main fort at Isca Caerleon after the area had been pacified by force).

Local legends say that the first fortification here was one of several castles built by the mythical giants of Wales Buga, Bwch and Clitha.

The Welsh name for Usk is Brynbuga

Historical Place & Things Picture Gallery.

USK CASTLE PICTURE page 1

USK CASTLE PICTURE page 2

VENICE PICTURE page 1

VENICE PICTURE page 2