Click here for the Laugharne Castle Slideshow.
"Laugharne is one of a continuous string of castles stretching all along the South Wales coast from Chepstow in the east to Pembroke in the west.
Archaeological excavation has shown that the headland upon which the castle now stands was once a ploughed field, perhaps associated with a prehistoric and/or Romano-British settlement on the hillside to the north.
The earliest reference to a castle at Laugharne is probably the entry for 1116 in the Brut y Tywysogyon (The Chronicle of the Princes) in which a Welshman, Bleddyn ap Cedifor, is entrusted with 'the castle of Robert Courtemain, which was at Abercorram'. Aber is the Welsh word for the mouth of a river and Corram may be an earlier form of Coran (the stream which now flows just beneath the western wall of the castle). Throughout the 12th and 13th centuries Laugharne is referred to as either Abercorram or Talacharn (the Welsh for Laugharne).
The history of the castle stretches back nearly 900 years:
1116 - The earliest documentary reference. Archaeological excavations have shown this to be an earthwork castle with timber defences: a ringwork castle.
Later 12th century - A new enclosure was created covering the area of the present inner ward. A large stone hall block was built on its N. side.
Mid 13th century onwards - The castle was owned by the de Brian family, all of whose male descendants were, confusingly, named Guy. Much of the present structure dates from this time.
Late 16th century - The castle was converted into a Tudor mansion by Sir John Perrot.
1644 - The castle's active life ended with the Civil War, when it was captured by Parliamentary forces after a siege and partially dismantled.
18th-19th century - A garden was created around the 'Romantic' ruins.
1973 onwards - The castle was handed into state care by Miss Anne Starke, of Castle House, Laugharne and has undergone excavation and conservation".
Peter Humphries, Cadw Interpretation Manager
your comments
Carl Wirt, Fort Lauderdale Florida.
My Grandmother's family came to America in the early 1700's, the family name was Lawhorn, which I am told comes from Laugharne. I am wondering if this is correct.
Tue May 27 14:06:58 2008
Joe Laugharne Forrest
Yes, I'd be very interested to know too as my family's middle name is Laugharne and my grandmother's maiden name was also Laugharne.
Tue Dec 4 10:29:18 2007
ruth roberts
Last year we stopped by Laugharne Castle to watch the moon over the sea. Walking under the castle walls we were delighted to see a mother barnowl flying around as if a white 'ghost' caling to her young which were nesting in the castle walls! If we hadn't been told what this was by a helpful dog walker it would have been very scary!
Mon Nov 19 12:16:12 2007
Jack McCabe from London (family originally from La
When you visit the ruin, you really are amazed by the sheer size of the castle, looking at the ruins and the detail of where the old Tudor window would have been, the dining halls and quarters really puts into perspective the magnitude of this historic castle.
What is perhaps sad is that more effort is not going in to maintaining this castle, noted from the beware falling masonary comments!
On a beautiful day this castle really shines on the coast and stands both tall and proud, yet it is only a reflection of what it would have been centuries ago.
Wed May 30 15:38:00 2007
diana rees ne laugharne pembokeshire
As a family we love visiting Laugharne every year.as my maiden name is Laugharne, I would be interested to know when the casle became known as Laugharne as opposed to the welsh name Talacharn.
Fri May 18 14:17:53 2007
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