Bronllys Castle, Wales

We decided to show share a recent trip we took just above the lovely Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) in South/Mid Wales in the Powys area. Hidden amongst concealed and beautiful autumnal woodlands, come explore the small but mighty Bronylls Castle with us.

Like most others of the time, the first castle here was a simple motte and bailey structure, built to defend the manor recently granted to Richard Fitzpons, an Anglo-Norman nobleman who was active as a marcher lord on the border with Wales. The stone round keep was added by the great grandson of Richard, Walter de Clifford in the early thirteenth century and the castle was occupied for another 200 years. The castle Played a small role in defence from far west England against the Welsh mutinies, including the famous rebellion led by Owain Glyndwr in the early 1400’s, but by this time the castle was owned by the crown and abandonment followed very soon after leaving the ruin to peacefully decay and be what it is today. Amazingly there isn’t a need for any substantial works to be done here as the keep remains largely intact and safe.

At its peak, the castle consisted of a circular three story tower keep on top of a tall motte overlooking an inner bailey protected by walls and corner towers and also containing some smaller stone buildings and an outer bailey to the north all enclosed by a moat. But no trace remains from either the bailey walls or the other stone buildings which once included a chapel, a great hall and stables but this keep incredibly survives at its full height of 80 feet. Only the roof and the floors are missing, but thankfully we get the chance to head straight to the top for incredible views across the Brecon’s.

The towers circular design gave archers an all-round field of fire to any unwanted visitors and whilst on the top you can see why it was once of great strategic importance to both the Welsh and English . The views are panoramically breath-taking even on a dull day. What’s fantastic about this small ruin is being able to still see the details inside the keep, the windows, stairways and fireplaces all still accessible and have beautiful detailing, clearly showing you the elegance this castle once had.

At the belly of the tower, is a dark, dingy vaulted basement, sadly blocked off for us to explore but it would have had no windows or heating and would be only entered via a wooden trap door, this would have made the basement perfect for storage or for housing prisoners.

It certainly wont be a long trip visiting here, but the perfect historical stop off on your journey if you’re travelling the area. There is a lay by just across from the entrance with room for around 4 cars and the site is unmanned and free to roam as you like. We enjoyed walking around the area too, and exploring some of the woodlands but you could easily team up a visit here on your way down to Tretower Court and Castle, a beautiful place we discovered a few blogs back, head over for more inspiration in South Wales.

If you liked the blog please hit that like button, watch the full video below and consider subscribing if you haven’t already.

Till Next Time!