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Cilgerran Castle

WLS Wales · 13th century

Cilgerran Castle in Wales
Photo: Waterborough · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Cilgerran Castle (Welsh: Castell Cilgerran) is a 13th-century ruined castle located in Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, Wales, near Cardigan. The first castle on the site was thought to have been built by Gerald of Windsor around 1110–1115, and it changed hands several times over the following century between English and Welsh forces. In the hands of William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, the construction of the stone castle began after 1223.

After passing through successive families, it was left to ruin and eventually abandoned by 1400. The castle backs onto a cliff face, with the remaining ruins dating from the 13th century. It was most heavily fortified where it faces inland, and includes a pair of drum towers, rather than a central keep, which remain standing. It passed into the hands of the National Trust in 1938, while Cadw holds the guardianship. It is open to the public and entry is free. Opening times vary.

Text adapted from “Cilgerran Castle” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Cilgerran Castle ranks #2,838 of 7,738 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #53 of the 100 mapped in Wales. Founded 1300, it is older than 63% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 825 atlas entries founded in the 13th century. 3 more atlas landmarks stand within 25 km. The nearest day-trip guide is Swansea, 68 km away. See how Wales compares in the castle statistics.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Cilgerran Castle?

Cilgerran Castle stands in Wales, at 52.05707°, -4.63431°.

When was Cilgerran Castle built?

The atlas dates its founding to 1300. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.

How famous is Cilgerran Castle?

In this atlas's fame ranking: #2,838 of 7,738 worldwide, and #53 in Wales. Fame here combines how many Wikipedia language editions cover a landmark with how many people read them.

What is the nearest castle to Cilgerran Castle?

Cardigan Castle, about 3 km away.

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