
Montgomery Castle
Details
Perhaps it’s something to do with its location, on a steep crag above a pretty Georgian town with all-seeing views across the Welsh border. Commenced around 1223 on the orders of Henry III in response to the growing power of Welsh native prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great), Montgomery’s stone castle replaced a nearby wooden fort known as Hen Domen. Perched on its rocky ridge, this new fortress was significantly sturdier and more sophisticated, with a stone inner ward, well, deep defensive ditches crossed by drawbridges and walled town.
The castle remained in use for centuries, surviving attacks by Llywelyn in 1228 and 1231 and Llywelyn’s son Dafydd in 1245. The castle’s ultimate end came during the Civil War, when it fell to the Parliamentarians and was demolished in 1649, leaving just the crumbling towers and low walls that stand today.
Opening Details
Open all the time
1 April - 30 September Daily 10.00am - 6.00pm.
1 October - 31 March Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
This monument is open and free to visit with no pre-booking required.
Prices
Free entry
Address
Montgomery,
Powys,
SY15 6HN
Location and nearby places
Directions
Map reference: SO 221967 Lat: 52.56281 Long: -3.14934
Montgomery Castle is located high above the town centre, at the top of Arthur Street.
Rail Welshpool 8m (12.9km)
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 8 miles from Welshpool station
Facilities
Coach parties accepted
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
Smoking not allowed