Trip Planner: Europe / UK / England / Herefordshire / Longtown / Historic Sites / Longtown Castle

Longtown Castle, Longtown

(15+ reviews on the web)

Castle

Longtown Castle, also termed Ewias Lacey in early accounts, is a ruined Norman motte-and-bailey fortification in Longtown, Herefordshire. Built around 1175 by Hugh de Lacy, possibly reusing former Roman earthworks, the castle had an unusual design with three baileys and two large enclosures to protect the neighbouring town. Early in the next century the castle was rebuilt in stone, with a circular keep erected on the motte and a gatehouse constructed between the inner and outer western baileys. By the 14th century, Longtown Castle had fallen into decline. Despite being pressed back into use during the Owain Glyndŵr rising in 1403, it became ruined. In the 21st century the castle is maintained by English Heritage and operated as a tourist attraction.HistoryEarlier sitesIt is uncertain when the first fortification at Longtown was built. The first defences may have been built during either the Iron Age or Roman, or Anglo-Saxon periods, but this remains uncertain. If Roman defences were constructed at the site, it was probably because of a Roman road that may have run nearby, and the defences may well have then been reused in the building of the current castle, parts of whose earthworks have square, angular corners, similar to those of Roman forts but otherwise unusual in 12th century English castles.

Put Longtown Castle into our Longtown itinerary planner and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.
Source

Create a full Longtown itinerary

Plan your trip to Longtown

Get a personalized plan

A complete day-by-day itinerary
based on your preferences
Customize it

Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedules
Book it

Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% off
Manage it

Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.

Plans in Herefordshire by other users

View more plans

Reviews

TripAdvisor

rayj709

An English Heritage site and it's free which can't be bad. Just to get a plug in, why not join English heritage get free entry into all of their properties and help the preservation and up keep of the... more »
George R

What a cool little experience! We stayed just up the road in Michaelchurch and happened to drive through Longtown on several occasions, on our way out to other visits. Eventually we decided to dip in ... more »
Anne M

A small castle with a close-up view of the Black Mountains looming through the trees. Glimpse of the Inner Bailey with an apple tree in blossom through the archway in the outer wall. It only takes ten... more »

View more on Trip Advisor »

Google

Zhou Chen Lin

Typical historical fake. "Keep/Bailey constructed in early- to mid-19th century, on foundations of an unknown building. With phony points of interest including an latrine added later to external wall. Fireplace and flue on north-side, and multiple windows fabricated even later in 20th century.

more less
Andrzej Lengiewicz

We didn't really planed to get there, sort of mistake with the post code on longer trip, but nice outcome :-) It is an interesting tower and very strong wind was actually adding to the experience. Not sure if is worth to go just there, but if not very far from your route, definitely worth to visit.

more less
Adrian Jones

Fantastic food

more less