thumb|300px|Ogmore Castle and grounds

Ogmore Castle () is a Grade I listed castle ruin located near the village of Ogmore in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, east of Ogmore-by-Sea, and south of the town of Bridgend. It is situated on the south bank of the Ewenny River and the east bank of the River Ogmore.

Its construction might have begun in 1106. Ogmore was one of three castles built in the area in the early 12th century, the others being Coity Castle and Newcastle Castle. It was in use until the 19th century for a range of purposes, including a court of justice and a prison, but is now a substantial set of remains and a local landmark.

Ogmore Castle is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and managed by Cadw (Welsh Historic Monuments). Admission is free, with access at all reasonable times.

Etymology

When John Leland wrote his Itinerary, he referred to this fortress as "Ogor Castelle". The name comes from the nearby river, the River Ogmore ().

History

thumb|left|200px|Ogmore Castle, 1987

Construction of Ogmore Castle might have started around 1106, In Caradoc of Llancarfan's The historie of Cambria, now called Wales: a part of the most famous yland of Brytaine, Caradoc wrote that the manor and castle were given to William de Londres, one of the legendary Twelve Knights of Glamorgan, by Robert Fitzhamon, the Norman conqueror of Glamorgan. In 1116, William de Londres was forced to abandon the castle when the Welsh appeared in force. His butler, Arnold, is credited with protecting the castle from the Welsh attack during the absence of William de Londres, and for this, he was knighted Sir Arnold Butler, also receiving the castle and manor of Dunraven as reward.

According to the custom of the times, the founding of a religious institution followed the acquisition of power. William de Londres, or his descendant John, built Ewenny Abbey from the castle. Also nearby was a religious place appended to Ogmore Castle by Morris de Londres or his descendant John, in 1141; Ewenny Priory is from Ogmore Castle. Because Thomas' heiress, his daughter Hawyse de Londres, had married into the Chaworth family of Kidwelly,

Architecture

The earthworks were steeply banked and oval in shape, enclosing an area of in length by in width. The inner ward was flat and constructed of timber structures. After completion of the ringwork, the building material was stone. The windows were round-headed with Sutton stone ashlar. The first-floor great hall had an ornate fireplace.

Looking towards the sea from the castle ruins, the view includes sandhills that proceed up the coast nearly as far as the town of Briton Ferry. Opposite from Ogmore Castle is Merthyr Mawr, where there are two sculptured crosses; the village can be reached by a footpath from the castle.

Also near the castle are a popular set of stepping stones across the river which are a Scheduled Ancient Monument. A short distance to the southeast are several shallows filled with water that are said to have sunk spontaneously. One of them is circular, measuring approximately in diameter.

The Ladi Wen stories associated with the castle, are likely related to a tradition that the River Ogmore itself contains the spirits of those who died without disclosing the location of hidden treasures. The tradition states that these spirits may only rest when their treasures are found and thrown downstream into the river (throwing treasures upstream would not help the spirits).

See also

  • List of castles in Wales
  • Castles in Great Britain and Ireland

References

  • Castles of Wales website (includes other photos and further historical background)
  • Wales.red website
  • www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Ogmore Castle
  • BBC Wales panoramic of the castle

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