Crickhowell Castle (Alisby's Castle), Historic Welsh Motte and Bailey

Origins and Early Construction

Crickhowell Castle began as a timber motte and bailey fortress constructed around the early 12th century, probably by Robert Turberville, a Norman vassal of Bernard de Neufmarché. The castle was strategically placed on a low ridge overlooking the River Usk and a tributary stream, providing a commanding vantage point over the surrounding landscape. The initial wooden structures included a motte (a large earth mound) topped by timber buildings, surrounded by a bailey enclosed by a wooden palisade. This early fortification was typical of Norman military architecture designed for rapid construction and defense.

Transition to Stone and Architectural Features

By the late 13th century, the castle was rebuilt in stone, primarily under Hugh de Turberville and later Sir Grimbald Pauncefote, who married into the Turberville family. The stone reconstruction included a shell keep atop the motte and defensive stone walls around the bailey, reinforced with cylindrical and trapezoidal towers. The castle's gatehouse featured a drawbridge over a pit between two large drum towers, one of which still stands precariously today. The bailey, measuring approximately 90 by 65 meters, housed residential and defensive structures, including rooms with fireplaces and large Gothic windows, indicating a blend of comfort and fortification.

Historical Significance and Ownership

Throughout the 14th century, Crickhowell Castle was held by the powerful Mortimer family, Marcher Lords who controlled large territories in Wales. In 1402, ownership returned to the Pauncefote family, with Sir John Pauncefote ordered by King Henry IV to refortify the castle amid the Owain Glyndŵr uprising. Despite these efforts, the castle was captured and sacked by Glyndŵr’s forces in 1403, marking the beginning of its decline. It never regained its former military or residential importance and gradually fell into ruin, with much of its stonework repurposed for local buildings.

Ruins and Present-Day Setting

Today, Crickhowell Castle remains a prominent ruin in the heart of the town, with the large motte still covered in trees and the remnants of the gatehouse and defensive towers visible. The castle’s earthworks form part of a public green space often used for recreation and picnics, blending historical significance with community use. The site offers panoramic views along the Usk valley and serves as a tangible connection to the Norman and medieval history of the region.

Legacy and Cultural Context

Known alternatively as Alisby's Castle, named after a former constable, the site reflects the layered history of Norman conquest, Marcher lordship, and Welsh resistance. The castle’s ruins have inspired local heritage interest and archaeological studies, revealing insights into medieval military architecture and settlement planning. The surrounding town of Crickhowell developed around the castle, with its medieval street layout still evident, underscoring the castle’s central role in shaping the community’s identity.

Visitor Experience and Interpretation

Visitors to Crickhowell Castle can explore the motte and surviving masonry fragments, imagining the castle’s former grandeur and strategic importance. The juxtaposition of natural greenery and ancient stone ruins creates a serene atmosphere for reflection and discovery. Informational signs and nearby heritage resources help contextualize the castle’s story, while the adjacent town offers amenities and cultural attractions, making the castle a rewarding historical landmark to visit in mid-Wales.