After my weekend away, I persuaded my husband that we should go to Grosmont castle, which is in the valley of the River Monnow in Monmouthshire, and about 20 mins or so by car from Monmouth, Abergavenny, and a little longer to Hereford and Ross-on-Wye. There is wonderful walking in this area, and it's not far from Offa's Dyke Path, and part of the Three Castles Walk (more of that later).
The castle remains are fairly substantial. It was probably initially built (in wood) by Earl William Fitzx Osbern in 1070, on his campaign of invading and controlling South Wales. However, he died the following year and his son Roger was stripped of his lands in 1075. The powerful Marcher Lord Payn Fitz John took over in the reign of King Henry I (1100 - 1135). Orcop Castle, of which virtually nothing remains, was linked to Grosmont and White Castle, although it is with Skenfrith that the ring of three castles controlled the area.
Further history about the castle can be found HERE.
As you can see, it was powerfully constructed, and the Great Hall of Grosmont was constructed early and was the civil capital of the Lordship.
Views across the village from the castle.
Clematis Montana rubens makes a pretty corner.
Above and below. For sale - I noticed it on-line and wanted to check it out, though I think much needs doing to it (probably re-roofing for starters) and as this is grade II* listed, you would be in for hefty supervision and bills and Conservation Officer involvement for external works. HERE are the listing details.
This is the back of the house. Methinks the ivy may cover a multitude of sins! Great for nesting birds and feeding insects though.
View from the house across the church graveyard. Peaceful . . .
What remains of an old preaching-cross in the churchyard (base probably added later I think).
A view of houses along the main street. It was so peaceful there and probably safe enough to lie down in the middle of the road if you were a cat!
Writer Jan Morris claimed that Grosmont was the most beautiful village in Britain. She could well be right. This is the Town Hall.
Well it certainly looks like a very pretty village, I love old ruined castles and also visiting occupied ones. We went to the delightful Cawdor Castle in Scotland and also stunning Eilean Donan Castle. I wouldn't wan to live in one but it'd be great fun to stay over for a few nights.
ReplyDeleteThat's a rather more substantial castle than I thought from the first picture, and lovely views of a part of Wales I don't know - my granny lived just outside Brecon
ReplyDeleteSuzie - the Cawdors (of that same Scottish castle) also owned a big parcel of land in our valley - most of the fishing rights along this stretch of the Cothi for starters!). We also love castles and have visited many round the British Isles.
ReplyDeleteSimon - that sounds like a good excuse to come and explore then. Grosmont (and Skenfrith and White castle) are about 25 miles East-ish of Brecon, and it is a stunning area.
A really interesting post with some great photos - love the view through the castle window :) From memory there was a big water vole re-introduction scheme in the Monnow Valley involving the GWCT. Looks a beautiful area and I'm off now to check out that house for sale :)
ReplyDeleteR. Robin - the house was very "us" but as we approach our dotage, we have to be practical for once, and it would be nice to move into an already done-up house (after this was a work in progress for 16+ years!) I should imagine that the Monnow Valley was a perfect place to introduce water voles.
ReplyDeleteAll I remember of three? castles in this area was that the Roundheads stabled their horses in one of the churches. Paul would go white with all that ivy on the old town farm cottage, he would strip it all down leaving a terrible mess on the walls;). The problem with the 'romantic' is it needs money and restoration.
ReplyDeleteAll I remember of three? castles in this area was that the Roundheads stabled their horses in one of the churches. Paul would go white with all that ivy on the old town farm cottage, he would strip it all down leaving a terrible mess on the walls;). The problem with the 'romantic' is it needs money and restoration.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting castle and a pretty village. Your photos are lovely with the backdrop of early leaf colour and blue skies.
ReplyDelete