The First Fortifications
The earliest fortification at Kidwelly was likely a motte-and-bailey castle constructed by the Normans soon after 1100. The motte was an earth mound with a wooden tower on top, and the bailey was an enclosed courtyard surrounded by a palisade. These castles were built rapidly to assert control over newly conquered lands.
The castle was initially built by Roger de Beaumont or his successors, Norman lords granted lands in South Wales as part of William’s efforts to pacify the region. Its construction was part of a broader network of castles aimed at securing the Norman hold on southern Wales, including nearby Carmarthen and Pembroke.
Welsh Resistance and Early Conflicts
The native Welsh princes fiercely resisted Norman incursions. Kidwelly Castle changed hands several times in the 12th century amid ongoing warfare between Welsh forces and Norman lords.
The Uprisings of the 12th Century
One of the notable Welsh leaders was Rhys ap Gruffydd (known as The Lord Rhys), Prince of Deheubarth, who led significant resistance efforts against the Normans. The castle at Kidwelly was captured and destroyed several times during the frequent uprisings and counterattacks.
In the mid-12th century, Rhys ap Gruffydd managed to retake large parts of South Wales, including Kidwelly. He undertook reconstruction of the castle, this time in stone, reflecting its growing importance. The shift from wooden fortifications to stone was part of a broader trend in castle-building across Britain, signaling increased permanence and defensive capability. shutdown123