Gazetteer of
British Place Names

Skenfrith Castle (Welsh: Castell Ynysgynwraidd) is a ruined Norman castle in Skenfrith, Monmouthshire. Established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066, to protect the route from Wales to Hereford, the original castle comprised earthworks with timber defences. In 1135, a major Welsh revolt took place and in response King Stephen brought together Skenfrith, Grosmont and White castles to form a lordship known as the "Three Castles", which played a role in defending the region from Welsh attack for several centuries. In 1201, King John gave the castle to a powerful royal official, Hubert de Burgh. Hubert levelled the old castle and built a new rectangular fortification with round towers and a circular keep. In 1267 it was granted to Edmund, the Earl of Lancaster, and remained in the hands of the earldom, and later duchy, of Lancaster until 1825. Edward I's conquest of Wales in 1282 removed much of Skenfrith Castle's purpose. By the 16th century it had fallen into disuse and ruin. The castle is in the care of Cadw. It is within the council area of Monmouthshire.
CADW Scheduled Monument MM088.

Place Type: Mediæval Castle
Alternative name(s): Castell Ynysgynwraidd
Historic County: Monmouthshire
Lat, Long: 51.878687,-2.7905256
Grid Reference: SO 4567 2030
Community (Civil Parish): Skenfrith C
Council Area: Monmouthshire CA
Police Area: Gwent PA
Devolved Legislature:  Welsh Assembly (Senedd)

GBPN ID: 65629
Entry Type: Main listing (P)
URL: https://gazetteer.org.uk/place/Skenfrith_Castle,_Monmouthshire_65629

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