Standing high in the town centre of Pembroke and classed as one of the most impressive Norman constructed castles in Wales. It was built in 1093 by Roger of Montgomery, when the Norman Conquest of Wales was not yet complete. This castle was never conquered by the Welsh and survived many attempts to do so.
Check out the video of our visit to Pembroke Castle below…
Castle Entrance
In 1138, it became the property of Gilbert de Clare, 1st Earl of Pembroke. In 1189 William Marshall received the castle through marriage and became Earl of Pembroke. He spent the next thirty years transforming the castle into the fortress that we see today. He was responsible for the commissioning the large circular stone keep.
The Great Keep
Some time in the early 1400’s the castle was given to Jasper Tudor along with the earldom, and he brought his widowed sister-in-law, Margaret Beaufort, to the castle to give birth to her only child, the future King Henry VII of England (1457).
Castle Exhibitions
Visitors to the castle can see various exhibitions that include a video, tracing the history of the castle and its owners.
There are also exhibits dedicated to King Henry and rooms set up to mimic the medieval period.
Just outside the castle is a shop near the entrance, selling unique medieval themed gifts.
Some light refreshments are also available within the castle grounds and depending on the weather may be taken outdoors or under cover in the medieval style tent.
A stroll around the castle, taking in the exhibitions and some refreshments should take around 2-3 hours.
Pembroke Castle is one of the best preserved castles in this part of Wales and a visit that is often enjoyed by both young and old.