East Orchard Castle

East Orchard Castle is a ruined building near St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, whose remains date mainly from the 14th century.[1]

East Orchard Castle
Castell Berllan Dwyrain
Part of St Athan
Vale of Glamorgan in Wales
East Orchard Castle Ruins
East Orchard Castle
Coordinates51.403°N 3.398°W / 51.403; -3.398
TypeManor House
AreaAround 2 Acres
Site information
OwnerUnknown
ConditionRuined
Site history
Built1399–1413
Built bythe Berkerolles
In useOpen to public
MaterialsRock
Battles/warsMarauders from the hills
EventsDestroyed by Llywelyn Bren (1316)
Rebuilt (14th century)
Dismantled (from 1756)
Garrison information
Occupants(previously) The Berkerolles
Listed Building – Grade II

While it is called a castle, it was not fortified in the style of one and is officially classed as post-medieval and broadly defined as a domestic manor house dwelling.[2] The historic site in its entirety contains a manor house, a barn, a chapel and a dovecote.[2][1][3] It was destroyed by Llywelyn Bren,[4] probably during the revolt of 1316.

The Orchards were built by the Berkerolles family, who received the land from Robert Fitzhammon after the conquest of Glamorgan 1091.

It has been in ruins since the late 18th century,[5] the house having been dismantled from 1756.[1]

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales have a number of drawings of East Orchard Castle.[2]

It is located on the eastern boundary of the St Athan community, approximately 1100 metres east of the Church of St Athan on the low cliff on the west side of the River Thaw, and is generally accessed by the lands of Rock Farm. There is a small stone bridge over a run-off of the river thaw that is likely related to the build of the castle (see image below).

East Orchard Castle Bridge
Inside East Orchard Castle

Literature

  • Clark, G.T. (1869). "East Orchard Manor House". Archaeologia Cambrensis. 24: 63–78.
  • Stan Awbery (1959). The Story of St. Athan and Aberthaw.

References

  1. "East Orchard Castle". Gatehouse. The comprehensive online gazetteer and bibliography of the medieval castles, fortifications and palaces of England, Wales, the Channel Isles and the Isle of Man. 6 July 2016.
  2. "East Orchard Castle". CBHC / RCAHMW. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
  3. Clark, p. 63
  4. "St Athan Village. Castles". Archived from the original on 20 November 2008.
  5. "Ruins of East Orchard Castle". UK Beaches Guide. 2016.


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