The Three Castles

The Three Castles of Skenfrith, Grosmont and White sit guarding the fertile agricultural lands of South Wales. Built by the Normans, they were modernised as recently as 1201 by Hubert de Burgh (no relation to Chris) who used the latest in castle technology to update the outmoded square keeps that were all the rage. In 1260 they wre refortified agains the threat of invasion, but gradually became more domesticated over the centuries. In 1902 they were finally sold separately, the first time since 1138 that they had not been owned by the same person!

The castles themselves have quite distinct characters, like the seven dwarves or three bears. Skenfrith is a picturesque border village and its castle reflects this; sitting quietly by the river it is perhaps the prettiest of the three. In contrast, Grosmont Castle is the most ruined of the castles and perches high on a hill above the village. The moat is now dry, but a wooden bridge allows access to the central courtyard.

White Castle however takes the biscuit for the most impressive of the Three Castles. It has a glorious aspect of rolling borders countryside across to the River Monnow. Originally the castle was rendered white and in places you can still see traces of this. Be sure to climb the western tower of the Inner Gatehouse for the best views!