Wales · Ruin
Newcastle Castle
Newcastle Castle is a medieval stone castle sited on Newcastle Hill overlooking the centre of Bridgend in Glamorgan, South Wales. Originating as a Norman fortification, its late 12th-century curtain wall and two square towers survive in ruined form and the site is now managed by Cadw.
First raised
1106
Its prime
1185
Today
Ruin
As it stood in 1185
The shape it held in its prime.
Perched on Newcastle Hill above Bridgend, the castle in its prime was an enclosed stone stronghold: a roughly 40-m-long courtyard bounded by 2-m-thick curtain walls, pierced by a late 12th-century Norman doorway. Two square towers flanked the walls; the south tower rose three storeys, while the west tower stood opposite. The masonry comprised finely worked stone blocks with tightly coursed faces; the whole lay prominently over the town below.
Its story
The story of Newcastle Castle.
Newcastle Castle sits on Newcastle Hill overlooking the centre of Bridgend. It was originally believed to date from 1106, when a ringwork was created here by the Norman baron Robert Fitzhamon — one of three castles the Normans built in the area alongside Coity and Ogmore, and the most westerly point of Fitzhamon's lordship, held by his loyal knight William de Londres.
The defences were strengthened either by William Fitz Robert, 2nd Earl of Gloucester, shortly before his death in 1183, or by Henry II, who took over the lordship of Glamorgan on William's death — most likely in response to the uprising in Glamorgan led by the Welsh Lord of Afan, Morgan ap Caradog. The late 12th-century curtain wall and two square towers survive from this phase.
In 1217 ownership changed again, resting briefly with the Anglo-Norman baron Gilbert Fitz Richard, who that same year handed the castle to Gilbert de Turberville — though de Turberville preferred to continue living at Coity Castle. Today the castle is ruinous, its fine stonework in the care of Cadw.
Step inside
7 places to explore in 1185.
The record describes 7 distinct spots at Newcastle Castle — including 2 interiors: central courtyard, upper chamber of the south tower. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and walk through every one — more scenes means more photos, more angles and more rooms of the immersive experience.
Create History
Recreate Newcastle Castle with AI to explore it.
The artist rebuilds it as it stood in 1185 — a photoreal walk that belongs to you alone. Pay with coins, no subscription needed.
Recreate Castle to Explore →Whose castle
Clans who held Newcastle Castle.
The families that held Newcastle Castle for a decade or more across its history — follow a name to its clan.
Fitzhamon
Robert Fitzhamon created the ringwork about 1106 as the westernmost castle of his lordship of Glamorgan.
de Turberville
Handed to Gilbert de Turberville in 1217, though he preferred to continue living at Coity Castle.
