PENCOED CASTLE, Llanmartin, Gwent 1997
Notes on PENCOED CASTLE, Llanmartin, Gwent 1997
At its core this is a small medieval castle, enlarged and grandiose, but after 1750s the house began its slow decline with much work left incomplete and further restoration abandoned after a fire in the mid 1950s.
Many uses have been proposed, even a theme park, but it remains ever derelict but not yet beyond repair. It is made up of a vast range of rooms and extensions but Pencoed was a surprising find, not due to its size or castle/house-like features but more due to its prime location and the fact it is empty, unused and quickly deteriorating. Large gate house stands imposing before the house.
Pencoed 1997
Pencoed 1997
Pencoed 1997
Pencoed 1997
Pencoed 1997
At its core this is a small medieval castle, enlarged and grandiose, but after 1750s the house began its slow decline with much work left incomplete and further restoration abandoned after a fire in the mid 1950s.
Many uses have been proposed, even a theme park, but it remains ever derelict but not yet beyond repair. It is made up of a vast range of rooms and extensions but Pencoed was a surprising find, not due to its size or castle/house-like features but more due to its prime location and the fact it is empty, unused and quickly deteriorating. Large gate house stands imposing before the house.
Pencoed 1997
Pencoed 1997
Pencoed 1997
Pencoed 1997
Pencoed 1997
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Comments
By Dennis Morgan: I am a direct descendant of
Sir Thomas Morgan, Wondering if you can
tell me what the current condition of the Castle is in ? By morgan ferris: we live next to the castle in the old farm house, the castle is in a terrible state has metal screens over the doors and windows, and is home to tousands of birds and not much else, apparently there are plans to renovate and make apartments in the castle, and the old barns, but when this is likely to happen in the present climate is anybodies guess, By Andrew Brown: Hey,
I'm a descendant of Sir Thomas Morgan also, would like to come visit the castle someday soon, either this summer or next summer. Do you know who the current owners are? Morgan Ferris; please E mail me at andrewbrown1967@hotmail
Thanks!
Andrew By Yvonne Powell: I used to play in the castle as a child in the 1960's. The castle was owned by the father of a school friend of mine called Sally Williams. The family lived in a bungalow to the side of the castle; Mr Williams farmed the land and the castle was used to house thousands of chickens.
At the time, I believe one of the rooms above the keep was habitable and lived in by a farm hand. I clearly remember when going up to the top to look over the battlements, that this area always struck me as being very new and unused.
Perhaps this was why I always believed the story that the castle had never been finished because it was built for the daughter of the Lord of the Manor, who, when she had married beneath her, was disowned by her family. The story was that this broke her father’s heart and he could never bring himself to complete the castle. Whether this was the case I don’t know, but to a twelve year old, this romantic story was very believable. By Alison Driscoll: Hi Paul
I live in one of the flats next to the castle and I am sure I have previously seen a black and white photo of the gatehouse in the winter. I thought it had some spooky trees, can you contact me to confirm what photos you have that I could buy? I am particaulrly interested in black and white. Thanks Alison Driscoll