The construction of Montgomery Castle was started in 1223. A stone built castle on a prominent outcrop above the town of Montgomery, however the palisades at this time were wooden.
There was an earlier Motte and Bailey Castle a mile away called Hen Domen. This was built between 1071-1074 at the order of Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury. It was not easy to defend and was sacked several time before being relocated to the rocky promontory where Montgomery Castle now is. Hen Domen continued as a Tower overlooking the River Severn for 150 years.
The limestone promontory on which Montgomery Castle was built has steep slopes which provided it with more protection than the former motto and Bailey at Hen Domen.
The building of Montgomery Castle started in 1223 two months after the then King commissioned it. Although largely finished in 1228 it was improved over time as the outer palisades were firstly wooden and gradually strengthened.
It also had two drawbridges to enter the castle and three Bailey’s. The upper bailey, the middle bailey and lower bailey.
In 1251 the gatehouse was rebuilt to include two towers, at this time the outer walls were reconstructed in stone and provided the Main living area. It was further strengthened in 1279 and a new hall, chamber, kitchen, brewhouse and granary were added.
The inner brewhouse and well tower were said to in decay in 1343. The curtain walls of the two Bailey’s were described as being weak and were later rebuilt.
In the sixteenth century Montgomery Castle was not in a good condition. In 1537 restoration was carried out . In 1622 a new house was built in the middle ward.
Montgomery Castle was captured by Parliamentarians in the Civil War. It was demolished in 1649 so it could not be reused.
Montgomery Castle continues to tower over the town of Montgomery and offers views of the surrounding plains and distant mountains.
It is a great ruin to explore, with wooden bridges over the ditches from one Bailey to another. With great panoramic views to enjoy, which are hinted at in the photo below.
The image in the header of this blog post is from a photograph taken by Nick Macneill and is licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
The photograph of the footbridge into the inner ward of Montgomery Castle was taken by Philip Halling and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
