The Vale of Glamorgan has one of the highest densities of castles anywhere in the world - St Quentin's Castle is one of four within just 2 miles of the market town of Cowbridge, situated on a bluff above the river Thaw, in the nearby village of Llanblethian.
History
The Lordship of Llanblethian was awarded to Herbert de St Quentin in 1102. He probably built the first castle with a timber palisade, with a small stone keep with 1.2m thick walls, added later. The remains of this keep - now more a grassy knoll - are behind the gatehouse.
The castle was seized from St Quentin's descendants in 1233 by one Richard Siward, who in turn lost it to Richard de Clare in 1245. His grandson, Earl Gilbert de Clare, started building more impressive fortifications around 1307, with a fine gatehouse and curtain wall. However, it is possible the castle was never completed, as de Clare was killed at Bannockburn in 1314. The castle was in limited occupation until the 17th century, at one stage being used as a prison.
The site
What you see today is mainly the gatehouse, which once had two portcullises: as well as the impressive Gothic-arched doorways, there are crossed-shaped arrow holes. At ground floor are two vaulted rooms, one either side of the entrance, and you can climb a set of stairs to see the scant remains at first floor level of what must have been quite impressive main rooms.
The curtain wall can be traced around the site, as well as a smaller octagonal tower on the south east corner. The bailey is now a grassy park, planted with trees, with good views over the river Thaw, Cowbridge and the village of Llanblethian. It's a pleasant spot, and access if free. The remains have recently been restored and made safe by Cadw, the Welsh historic monuments agency.
Practicalities
The site is clearly signed from the entrance to Cowbridge from the A48, and there is parking for a few cars at the entrance, though be careful - there's a steep drop (and no fence) if you overshoot! Facilities are very basic: there is a small interpretation panel at the car park, and a few panels in the gatehouse itself. There are no footpaths around the sloping and uneven site, so wheelchair access is limited, and a rather stern notice at the entrance proclaims 'No dogs' in English and Welsh. read more