Raglan Castle

In the same way Cadw’s members help protect it today, it’s only fitting that the Raglan Castle we know was built with defence in mind.

The work of Sir William ap Thomas and his son Sir William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, Raglan Castle combined a moated Great Tower and flared machicolations – stone arches that allowed missiles to be rained down on attackers – to make it a truly remarkable fortress.

Defence, however, only tells one half of this Castle’s epic story: the other half being its palatial status.

Following his father’s death in 1461, Sir William Herbert enjoyed a meteoric societal rise, his loyalty to royalty resulting in King Edward IV not only giving him the role of chief justice and chamberlain of south Wales — but also the title of Baron Herbert of Raglan.

And when Henry Tudor, the future King Henry VII, was sent to be raised at Raglan Castle, Sir William knew one thing: that great men need great houses.

From that day forward, Herbert continued his father’s work at Raglan on an epic scale, creating a magnificent new gatehouse and two great courts of sumptuous apartments.

The result? A fortress-palace and regal residence that boasted premium hospitality – with poet, Dafydd Llwyd, praising its ‘hundred rooms filled with festive fare, its hundred chimneys for men of high degree.’

To this day, Raglan’s majesty and grandiose is still evident for all to see. Just ask the thousands of visitors who pass through its doors year after year – among them, countless Cadw members, whose contributions support the protection and preservation of this awe-inspiring monument.

But don't just take our word for it — why not find out yourself?