Pembroke Castle

In 1093, Arnulf of Montgomery built the first castle at the site when he fortified the promontory beside the Pembroke River during the Norman invasion of Wales.


Callum visited the display depicting the birth of
Henry VII of England in the castle.

He would have liked a turn to hold the baby.



The de Valence family held Pembroke for 70 years. During this time, the town was fortified with defensive walls, three main gates and a postern.[4] Pembroke Castle became de Valence's military base for fighting the Welsh princes during the conquest of North Wales by Edward I between 1277 and 1295. 


It is said to be the birth place of the Tudor dynasty.

What is a Tudor Callum wonders?

Here's more information about the Tudors.



Callum thinks this is the perfect size court yard for playing soccer.


The walled town of Pembroke which grew up around the castle also contains many ancient and interesting Norman buildings.


Callum wishes he could reach that flag.

He wonders what the first flag might have looked like?


Pembroke is an enormous oval castle, mostly surrounded by a serene mill pond. Extensively restored in Victorian times, it's dominated by the complex gatehouse on the outside and the huge circular keep once you're inside.


Oliver Cromwell besieged the town and castle, and after holding out for 2 months, Poyer and his allies surrendered. 


There is a large cave under the town of Pembroke, a prehistoric cavern that was inhabited long before Norman knights cast envious eyes into this corner of south Wales. 


And here is a virtual tour of Pembroke. 

 

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