During the late 13th century, barbicans were built as an outer defense to the gatehouse, in the form of a wall or a watchtower and built to give more protection to the gatehouse. Carereg Cennen Castle had a barbican. It also had features such as, a mini gatehouse, a ditch, a moat, and a main gatehouse. Carreg Cennen had evidence that it had a barbican, but one of the arguments faced when dealing with Oystermouth Castle, is that it may have had a barbican, only there is little evidence to suggest this, only that it would’ve have been a good location as there was flat land. This leaves it harder for historians to decide whether or not Oystermouth had certain features, as there is no clear evidence, so no specific decision can be made.
In the late 13th and early 14th century concentric castles replaced just one curtain walled castles. Instead, inserting two or three curtain walls. This would be more challenging for the attacker, as it gave them a harder set of obstacles, as they had to pass more sets of walls compared to just one. Examples of this type of castle are Beaumaris Castle and Harlech Castle. Beauramis castle had an excellent well-defended gatehouse. This castle was probably the best in North Wales, and was built as part of Edward 1st conquest of North Wales; it’s current location being in Anglesey. There is also a moat, with round towers in curtain walls. Harlech Castle, also part of the North Wales conquest by Edward 1st is a concentric castle. It is built on the edge of a cliff with a good position on the coast similar to Oystermouth. It was well defended, yet not as big as Beumaris Castle, but still had it’s round towers and two sets of curtain walls. Oystermouth did not have this feature, as during the late 13th and early 14th century it began to focus on improving its domestic features as opposed to its military features. This was because the area became more settled.
In the 15th century, cloverleaf castles were built. The walls were thicker, and the towers were squatter. Cloverleaf castles allowed the defender to easily fire at enemy fleets. Moreover, the rounded shapes of the castle could defend any canon balls. The whole concept for this specific design was to adapt with the new guns and gunpowder to help defend against attack from Catholic states of Europe. These castles were built mainly in the South coast of England. This was when Henry 8th was afraid of invasion and attacks from Europe. Deal Castle (built in 1539) is an example of this type of castle. It had very thick walls, this was because of cannons that walls were thick; this also meant the inside was small and dark. It also had high walls, which were an easy target, this however was not needed on Oystermouth castle, as it became more settled, and advanced military features such as this were not needed. Often the castles with advanced military features were castles, which were in unsettled areas, and needed better defense from lots of attacks.
The biggest major development throughout castle making were the coming of fortified manor houses. This was the change from castles to fortified manor houses. Castles were no longer any use in large-scale warfare. Even so, these fortified manor houses still used some military features of a castle. It proved safety was overruled by comfort. An example of this is Weobly and Oxwich Castle. Oxwich is a fortified manor overlooking the Gower coastline. Weobly Castle is a fortified manor house with domestic features added earlier on. It similarly had a chapel block as so did Oystermouth and overlooks the estuary. Yet, Oystermouth in its later stages, changed hands frequently. It had become a prison and the residence of the Steward of the Lord of Gower. An absentee lordship meant more emphasis was placed on financial exploitation than military protection. This did not encourage loyalty. During 1400, during Owain Glyndwr’s uprising, the people of Oystermouth assisted Glyndwr by besieging Oystermouth Castle themselves. They took the castle, ruined it and also destroyed the many valuable documents, which related to the castle. In 1432, the castle was described as a ruin in John de Mowbray’s will. These developments were the typical military features of general castle development throughout history, from the very first motte and bailey, built by William the Conqueror in his Norman Conquest, right up to the very last fortified houses. E.g. (Weobly castle)
Military features at Oystermouth Castle
The general developments at Oystermouth were however, both similar and different. During the C11th to the C13th, it was a wooden motte and bailey castle. This fits in with the general development at this period, as during this period motte and bailey castles were present. We know it was a motte and bailey castle from source C. The chronicles of the princes, tells us
“1093; The French devastated Gower”
“1116; there was a castle in Gower which Gruffued, son of Rhys, burned entirely.”
“1215; Lord Rhys collecting a vast army, advanced on Gower. He made for the Castle of Oystermouth and he camped around it that night. The following day he captured there castle which, with the town, he burned
This is evidence to show that it was motte and bailey castle, as all through most of the attacks it was burned. This suggests that it was made out of wood, which can only mean one thing, that it was infact a motte and bailey castle during these periods. However, due to this castle being continually burned would later on make the castle suffer, as it would not be able to catch up with the rest of the general development of castle making throughout Wales and the rest of Britain. In the early C12th century, when shell keeps were built, Oystermouth on the other hand was still a motte and bailey castle with a wooden keep, and had a palisade, which was attacked and later destroyed, and the motte and bailey was rebuilt. During the Mid 12th century, square stone keeps followed shell keeps. Yet, meanwhile, Oystermouth Castle was still a motte and bailey castle. As you can see, Oystermouth was lacking additional features and was behind during he “improvement and development” stages. As said previously, this was due to it being continually attacked. This would mean that they would have to keep rebuilding the castle, instead of adding developments to the castle. Their main concern would’ve been rebuilding, not renewing and adding features, this prevented continuing with the general development of castle making through Wales and Britain.
Around the C13th when round keeps were replacing square keeps. Curtain walls replaced wooden palisades. Gatehouses were being added. Also barbicans, (the outer defense to the gatehouse) were being added. Oystermouth was still however on the steady gradual process of using a motte and bailey. So it did not have this feature at this time. Eventually, it was attacked and burnt down again, shortly after it was rebuilt out of wood after its attack. Nevertheless, when attacked for the final time it was finally built out of stone, only in the 13th century, a century later than other castles, Oystermouth was built out of stone. This was because Oystermouth and the Gower had become more settled, and was safe from attacks, also probably if attacked again, it wouldn’t have the weakness of just being burned; it could now be like a proper castle.
During the late 13th and the early 14th century, concentric castles were replacing one curtain walled castles with two or three. However, Oystermouth did not need this feature, as it was irrelevant, as Oystermouth was not having as much attacks as the other castles that needed this feature to enhance protection and defense. Yet, Oystermouth Castle had its gateway strengthened, it also had a curtain wall rebuilt. It also had its very own chapel built. Luckily some of these features made military protection improve. It was at the later stages of castle building, that Oystermouth Castle really improved. In the last few years of castle development during the 15th century, foritifed manor houses were built, as the need for castles had declined. Only some of the military features were used in cause of attack. During this century, Oystermouth later became a prison, until it became a ruined castle, described as a ruin. There is no early written evidence about Oystermouth Castle, as when the castle was attacked in 1400, local people conquered the castle and then destroyed all records, and therefore we do not have very accurate details about the castle.
We know it was a ruin from source D “What the castle looked like” from where it says;
“The closest we get to an earlier description is from a survey of Gower made in 1650 when Oliver Cromwell was its Lord: It mentions:
“An old decayed castle called Oystermouth Castle being for the present of no use, but of a very pleasant situation and near unto the sea side.”
This source confirms that it was infact a ruin; this source is also a source inside a source. As the evidence wrote in this secondary source in 1992 may not be accurate, yet it contains a primary source closer to the date than the original source wrote, which helps us have more accurate details about the castle, and we able to establish that Oystermouth in its later years did infact become a ruin.
Oystermouth didn’t really fit in with the general development of castles with its military features, as in the beginning the development of castles into stone was a much slower process. This was because the area was unsettled, resulting in constant attacks. During the 14th century, Oystermouth was concentrating on domestic features like the chapel, whereas other castles in North Wales were building and improving military features. This was because during this period, Oystermouth became more settled, as so did the surrounding Gower. This then meant that Oystermouth was able to focus on more domestic features as its way of keeping up with society, as it no longer needed the military features that other castles did. Oystermouth later became abandoned in the 15th century and wasn’t rebuilt after attack, as it wasn’t needed for a domestic or military use. I personally do not think Oystermouth Castle fitted in with the general development of castles, with its military features, because it was too far behind during its early years to catch up and when it did, half a century later it was abandoned. We know it was attacked on several occasions from source B as it says;
“There was a castle in Gower, which Onifued son of Rhys, burned entirely, killing many men inside. William de londres in fear left his castle and his entire castle and all his riches.”
Other features?
Oystermouth Castle did have many other military features. It had a bailey, which was the courtyard. It had curtain walls, which surrounded the battlements. Other castles with this feature were Marnorbier, Conway and Rhuddlan castle. Manorbier castle, located in South Wales, had a round tower in the curtain wall, yet did not have a keep like Oystermouth. However similarly was built on the coastline like Oystermouth Castle. Conway Castle, located in North Wales, had a curtain wall fifteen foot thick, with some additional features, which Oystermouth did not have. As it also had eight massive drum towers and two barbicans. Rhuddlan castle had round towers in thick curtain walls. However, differently to Oystermouth was located on a river with two gatehouses. Oystermouth then had a battlement and had crenellations and a wall walk. There is evidence to suggest a drawbridge was present in the gateway. We know this, as there were two holes above the entrance. However, the holes are not worn, therefore they must have used a rope (not a chain) to pull the drawbridge, as this would’ve been cheaper. The drawbridge is one of the castles unusual features, as we unable to determine whether it was present or not. Yet, there is more evidence for than against, as it would have been possible that ropes were used to haul up the drawbridge as they would not have worn the ropes as much as the chains.
Yet, there was no moat, only a steep ditch, as there is no river nearby as the castle is on top of a hill. Castles with this feature are Kidwelly Castle and Cardiff Castle. However, Kidwelly had additional features to Oystermouth, as it was a concentric castle and was built of side of a river. Cardiff Castle was a large motte with a shell keep. The gatehouse would’ve been used for food, weapons and animals to pass through before entering the castle. There possibly could have been murder holes in the gatehouse passage, though these wouldn’t have been very good as they were small and could have easily been dodged. There are slots in the wall, which is evidence to suggest there was a portcullis. Oystermouth also had a rectangular keep. Harlech Castle is a good example of some of these features. As it also had a gatehouse with a portcullis and arrow slits into “killing ground.” Yet, it had features, which Oystermouth did not have, such as its concentric design, moat and two drawbridges. However Caenarfon had two double gatehouses. Oystermouths entrance had steps between, however there was no watchtower. Its gatehouse had the outer bailey, and supposed drum towers. There had been a lot of controversy and confusion about these supposed drum towers. One source discusses about the drum towers. We know this from source A, as it says:
“Two drum towers stood at each side of the gateway, and it is possible to see part of them. Cromwell has been blamed for their destruction: it is more likely that they were ruined during Owain Glyndwr's uprising.”
This source from the “Castles of Gower” is merely opinion based. Yet it is useful as it tells us about it s destruction and gives us another view on the drum towers on the sides of the gateway. It is secondary evidence as it was wrote in the 1980s, but is still quite reliable, however it was all about the Gower Castles and would probably have not gone into Oystermouth in much detail. Also, in source B, even though a secondary source, drawn for a study on Oystermouth Castle, shows the castle had a drum tower either side of the gatehouse, this helps us to establish what the drums towers would have liked like if present. This source is useful as there is still ruins left, which the drawing could be based upon, also the artist is an archaeologist.
There is evidence to suggest that these were present and that log holes indicated there was more than one storey. However there is more evidence against, as there were arrow slits. The windows are filled and the doors were locked up. Also the edges are smooth and if enemies destroyed the towers they would not have made repairs afterwards. This was one of the unusual features at Oystermouth Castle. Many of its other unusual features include its location, its drawbridge, its chapel, and its drum towers for the gatehouse. Firstly, Oystermouths location is unusual as there would’ve been disadvantages and we would have to argue why the architect would’ve chosen this site. This is because it is located on a hill upfront, which would be a blind spot. Also it was possibly too far away from the coast. Yet its advantages overrule it being an unusual feature. This is because you are able to see the surrounding village and bay. It had a good water supply, and has strong foundations made from limestone. It is reasonably close to the sea and bay, and is also within walking distance to other castles. Also its whole flat hill would be good for extension. As there is a large site for expansion for castle, as castles usually did, and good foundations with it being easy to control the surrounding area with a good water supply, this would out rule the disadvantages.
Its drawbridge is unusual because it is hard to determine with it was present or not. There is evidence to suggest it was infact present. We know this because there is a room above where they could have possibly pulled the ropes. Also there are two holes above the passage that could have held the ropes /chains to haul a drawbridge. However the stonework at homes is not warm. To conclude, we would say that it is possible that ropes were used to haul up the drawbridge, these would not have worn the ropes as much as the chains.
The last two unusual features are its chapel and its drum towers. It’s chapel was considered unusual due it being so large. Its chapel is three storeys high. Also it was built whilst other castles were building military features. The evidence to support this is, that it had three sets of putlog holes, which is evidence of it being three storeys. To conclude we would say that Oystermouth Castle is large and this is evidence that the surrounding area was settled. Whilst other areas were under attack and had to improve their military features Oystermouth had the time and money to build it.
Finally its drum towers were unusual as these were also hard to determine whether or not they were present. The evidence for is its putlog holes, as these indicate that there was more than one storey. Also its curved walls are evidence for them being present. However, there is more evidence to suggest against. This is because of its arrow slits, and its windows were filled in and its doors were locked up. Also its edges are smooth, so if their enemies destroyed the towers they would not have made repairs afterwards. To conclude we would say that there were plans for building the towers but they never got finished as Oystermouth was under attack. Therefore the door was locked up and arrow holes were applied. The curved walls suggest there was a limestone quarry ¼ of a mile away. Yet, the fireplace was built out of sandstone, as it does not burn as quickly as limestone.
Domestic features
Domestic features, which were typical of castles, were its keep, great hall, solar, chapel, kitchen, garderobe and basement and cellars. The great hall was the most important room in the castle taking up one floor of the castle keep. It was used for main business such as law and taxes. It served as the castles main dining hall, where people also slept on the floor. The Solar was the private room for the lord and family. The walls would’ve been covered with paintings and designs, as it was an important room. Its benches were used instead of chairs, as its chairs were reserved for important people. The garderobe had either toilets or privies. It was in here where they cared for and washed clothes. These were the small rooms built in the thick outer walls, and were the down passage away from the living quarters. It also had either a stone or wooden seat with curtains covering the entrance. The sewage went down a chute on the exterior wall into the moat or river or put on the base of a wall. The Chapel was for the lord and his family to go to worship. This would've had an alter with a stone seat for the priest and a cupboard for holy vessels. It was easy to identify, as it would either have had elaborate or traceried windows. The kitchens, was where basic cooking took place in the keep. It is often large in baileys and is easy to identify from their numerous fireplaces. Finally the castles basements were below ground level. This was where the castles main water supply was in the form of a well. Recesses in the cellars were also used to store food, arms ammunition, also prisoners were kept there. The word “dungeon” comes from the French word donjon, meaning keep. Though Oystermouth was lacking on military features, it had most of the typical domestic features of other castles.
We begin with Oystermouths first room. This was the keep, which was built out of limestone, as there was a limestone quarry ¼ of a mile away. However the fireplace was built out of sandstone, as it would not have burnt as quickly as limestone. It also had a porch added on later, as an extension, which originally was a high entrance led to by a flight of stairs. It had more that one floor, as the putlog holes are evidence of this. There is a mural passage, which is a passage built into the wall which connects the keep and the second great hall. The second room was the second great hall. This contained a cellar, which was damp and dark. The floor being damp is evidence to back up that there was a well. The large fireplace in the second room has the same general concept as the other, as it was also built out of sandstone, as it burns slower. Again, there is indeed a passage linking rooms 2 and 3. In room 3, this would have been known as the accommodation room. Though, this room is extremely hard to evaluate as it’s currently ruined with only two walls. There were putlog holes, the floors show this as the holes when put in line, were used to support a room above, these when randomly placed were probably used for scaffolding to make repairs to the castle. Again, a mural passage, leading back to room 1 (the keep) or the alternative of going to a spiral staircase through this passage.
Room 3 also contains a supposed “whipping post.” Yet, there are no signs of attachments. However, there is more evidence to suggest that it was not used than there are for it being used for a dungeon. If it had infact been used for a dungeon then there would have been no windows, which the average dungeon did not usually have. In addition, the bars of the doors were inside, which would have made it a self-locking device. The possible conclusion was that the whipping post was used to hold up the roof.
During block 4, the fireplace is very high up, to suggest accommodation rooms above, which were probably of great taste to accommodate royalty such as the king. This king was the English King, Edward 1st who came to Oystermouth castle on a royal visit. There is infact a record of his visit to the castle. Edward had a “victory tour” traveling around all the castles in the country to tell them that he had conquered all of England and that he was the new king. He came to visit the castle in 1284. In addition, the doorways fireplaces are blocked up and the windows can be seen. Underneath block 4 there is a cellar containing a whipping post. Most cellars containing a whipping post usually had about three rooms above each one. In addition, the arrow slits on the wall inside suggest expansion of the castle. There is evidence to suggest that the room at the right of block 4 was a kitchen as it had many fireplaces.
As you move into block 5 (chapel tower) this would’ve been one of the greatest domestic features and is the most recent. The features it contained was; a huge fireplace, it also had three floors, we know this because the windows are high up with putlog holes. The most breathtaking view is its top floor, which was its place of worship. We know this from its traciered windows. It also contains a piscine and confession box, both built into the wall. Lady Alionara would’ve possibly built this chapel to show off her great wealth and riches. This chapel was also built when the rest of Wales was improving their military features, this is evidence that the village of Oystermouth was controlled and the area was settled at this time. Outside of the castle, the walls were very high walls to intimidate people. It also had rectangular holes, which with the garderobe shoot was where waste stayed on the ground outside the castle. In addition, you are able to see the older walls are untidily made e.g.; the keep. The chapel tower, which was built 200 years later than the keep also had neater stonewalls. Having been settled, allowed the building of this chapel, if it had still remained unsettled then there would’ve been no room for expansion and improvements.
Finally we are able to see what domestic features Oystermouth had and didn’t have. Firstly, we begin with room 1, the keep. This had a porch added on later, and originally had a high entrance which was lead to by a flight of stairs. There is also evidence to suggest that there was more than one floor as there are putlog holes. This is evidence that Oystermouth had a keep. Its ground floor was probably the Great Hall, as the plaster on the walls and its fireplace are evidence to suggest this. Therefore, this is evidence to suggest that Oystermouth had a great hall. Room two was most likely to be the second great hall, as there is also another large fireplace on the second floor. This was used as the solar, as the solar was on the second floor. Room three was an accommodation room. Block four was another accommodation room, which were probably quite smart to accommodate royalty and kings. Underneath this block is a cellar containing a whipping post. This is evidence to suggest that Oystermouth had a cellar, as most cellars containing a whipping post usually had about three rooms above, as so did Oystermouth. The room at the right of Block four had lots of fireplaces; this is evidence that Oystermouth had a kitchen. Room five was the chapel tower, as it had traciered windows, this is evidence to suggest that Oystermouth had a chapel. Finally outside the castle, there are rectangular holes, which would’ve been a garderobe shoot; this is evidence to suggest there was a garderobe.
Other castles with the same domestic features of Oystermouth are Kidwelly Castle, and Weobly Castle. Kidwelly Castle had a projecting chapel tower. Weobly Castle had domestic features added to earlier castle, as now currently is a fortified manor castle, but has a separate chapel block.
Conclusion:
Having gone through Oystermouths military features and domestic features, we are able to see that due to local events, Oystermouth did not fit in with the general development of military features. However, due to it being settled in its later years was able to concentrate on its domestic features, making them typical of the general development of domestic features in Wales. Therefore, Oystermouth Castle was quite typical of the general development of castle making in Wales, and would have been even more so had it not been for local events, but where it was lacking in military features it made up for it in its domestic features.
This concludes the domestic and some of its military features.
How do Oystermouths military features compare to other castles in Wales?
Oystermouth has many military features, which differ and are similar to many other castles in Wales. There are many different military features. The smaller types of military features consisted of the moat, drawbridges, portcullises, gate passages, walls and battlements, loopholes, and stairways. Along with the main bigger ones, which were the moat, shell, keeps, square stone keeps, round stone keeps, curtain walls, wooden palisades, gatehouses, barbicans, concentric castles and fortified manor houses. The moats and ditches were the castles first line of defense. These had steep sides; though they were not filled with water though they were still a difficult obstacle. Caerphilly and Beaumaris Castle are good examples of castles with moats. Oystermouth did not have a motte; only a steep ditch as there is no river nearby as the castle is on top of a hill. Though its first development was a wooden motte and bailey castle. Cardiff castle had a large motte and so did Kidwelly castle. Drawbridges were used as architects realized early on that one of the weakest points in a castle was its entrance. So a hinged bridge that could be instantly retracted was made. Oystermouth had a drawbridge in the gateway; evidence to suggest this, is that there was a small room and two holes above the entrance. A portcullis was located behind the drawbridge. This was a heavy wooden grid reinforced with iron. It was raised and quickly lowered by machinery housed in the gatehouse above. There is evidence that Oystermouth had a portcullis, as there were slots in the walls.
Gate passages were behind the portcullis, there was often a heavy wooden door reinforced by ironwork. A tunnel then followed with murder holes and loopholes. Murder holes were the small openings in the roof. Oystermouth had a possible murder hole in gatehouse passage thought they were not very good as it was small and could have easily been dodged. Walls and battlements were when an assault on the gateway failed, the attackers could try and make the walls give way by battering them. The magonel could catapult 600lb of rocks. It was powered by the tension of twisted rope. Dropping heavy weights sprang the trebuchet, which was more accurate. Then, the final siege engines were the ballista and the Perrier. The first one was a giant crossbow that fired five-foot long armour piercing darts. This later was designed to be used by unskilled soldiers. Battlements were then the top of the walls were also crenellated to allow defenders to return fire safely. These involved Merlons and Crenels, which were the solid pieces and the gaps. Oystermouth did have very high walls to intimidate people. Also, Oystermouth had a battlement in the courtyard (bailey) with crenellations and a wall walk. The curtain walls also surrounded the battlements. Loopholes were where defenders who were not on the battlements were able to fire through loopholes in the walls. These went to have four main types. The lain vertical loophole enabled the archer to fire on the enemy attacking the castle. The fishtail triangular base were introduced to improve the archers line of sight without widening the opening while the cruciform loophole enabled a crossbow to be used with much greater effect. Round holes at the end of the loopholes were added. Known as oilettes, and they provided better view. The stairways were mainly spiral which wound upwards to the right. This would favour the defender who usually held his sword his right hand. The supporting central post called a newel further hampered the attacker. In room 3, there is a mural passage which lead back to room 1 (the keep), you can also get to a spiral staircase through this passage.
The main military features of castles, throughout the general development of castle making included, motte and bailey castles. Wooden motte and bailey castles were temporarily used when conquering an area and then changed to stone when the area was conquered, as they had more time available to build them. The Bayeux tapestry is evidence to show that wooden castles were being built, which were motte and bailey castles. For the first 150 years Oystermouth Castle was still built in wood, as they did not have enough time to build a stone one as the area was unsettled and wasn’t stable (and they also fought with tenants) therefore it developed at a much slower rate. Mid C13th it had its first stone keep. However Oystermouth had no motte only a steep ditch, as there is not a river nearby, as the castle is on top of a hill. Cardiff Castle had a small motte, with a stone keep around the top of the motte. All mottes had to face the constant threat of being burnt. As part of the Bayeux tapestry shows a motte and bailey at Dinan being set on fire. Oystermouth had been burnt down three times, which meant local events did play a part in its development. At its early stages Oystermouths military features were typical of military features. The shell keeps helped strengthen the motte of a castle. Oystermouth had just a motte and bailey castle with a wooden keep and palisade. This was attacked but was destructed and the motte and bailey was rebuilt. The castle did have a keep, but it was wooden. Better shell keeps were Cardiff Castle, which had a large motte with a shell keep. Square stone keeps, were built on ground level very heavily, and had corners, which proved to be a disadvantage. Whereas Oystermouth was still a motte and bailey castle, which was a basic timber structure. Oystermouth did not have this feature, whereas Hedingham Castle in Essex had a perfect square stone keep which was large, with 5 floors, whereas Oystermouth only had two floors. There were steps in its keep similar to that in Oystermouth, as Oystermouth also had steps in its keep.
Round stone keeps replaced the square stone keeps, as the corners on square keeps could be easily undermined, and no corners were an advantage. Tretower had a round keep, which was perfectly round, with no windows or ground floor. When a keep was built out of stone in 1256, it was a rectangle, slightly different to Hedingham, as it was a square. Though it had no watchtower, yet its entrance had steps between. Chepstow Castle is also similar to Oystermouth, as it also had a rectangular keep. Yet, at the period when square keeps and round keeps were being built in the 12th century, Oystermouth was still a motte and bailey castle, having been attacked and burnt down again rebuild out of wood. But later when attacked again, was built out of stone. So it was finally in the 13th century did Oystermouth manage to develop its military features and catch up with the rest of Wales. During 13th century curtain walls replaced wooden palisades and gatehouses were added. Oystermouths gatehouse from the outside was meant to have supposed drum towers, and there is a lot of controversy as to whether they were built or not. Oystermouth gatehouse from the inside contains its outer bailey. Oystermouth also had curtain walls, which surrounded the battlements. Other castles, which had these features, were Chepstow castle; this was situated on top of cliffs and had curtain walls with round towers and two gatehouses. It’s curtain walls and bailey were long and narrow. It’s gatehouse had two round drum towers either side of gatehouse. Its round tower was built in the gatehouse and was the hardest to attack. Caerphilly Castle's gatehouse was the second largest in Europe, second to Windsor castle. But, was badly destroyed in the Civil War. Its features were two curtain walls, and two gatehouses, with round towers in gatehouses walls. Whereas Oystermouth only had one curtain wall and did not need more defense, as Caerphilly Castle was a concentric castle. It had many additional features, which Oystermouth did not have, as Oystermouth castle stopped developing its military features in the 13th century, as there was no need to improve military features, as it was more settled in the Gower. Which is quite ironic, considering that when it finally began to develop its military features, it had to stop, as there was no reason to further develop its features. During the C13th Barbicans were added, and was the outer defense to the gatehouse. Oystermouth could’ve possibly had a barbican, which would have defended the gateway, yet the only evidence is its flat ground. This would’ve been a suitable site. It is not possible to confirm or decide whether this feature was present at Oystermouth Castle. However other castles with this feature are Carreg Cennen. The difference between Oystermouth and Carreg Cennen is that Carreg Cennen had evidence that there was a barbican present.
The next sets of military features built were concentric castles, these had two or three curtain walls. During this stage, Oystermouth had its keep enlarged, and buildings were added to the west of the keep. It also its gateway strengthened, and its curtain wall rebuilt. It also had its chapel built. It was during the 13th century that it went on to add on domestic features as opposed to military features. So it did not have this feature. Other castles, which did have this feature, were, Caerphilly Castle, Beaumaris and Harlech Castle. Caerphilly is one of the best Welsh castles and is the second largest to Windsor. It is on top of Wye valley and had good communication routes. It had two curtain walls and two gatehouses. It’s round towers were in gatehouse walls. Beaumaris Castle, located in Anglesey has round towers in curtain walls, with a clear barbican and a well-defended gatehouse. Harlech Castle, also located in North Wales, was positioned on the coast on a cliff like Oystermouth. It had two sets of curtain walls, yet not as big as Beaumaris.
During the final development, which was the fortified manor houses, these were the end of castles as the need for castles declined. At this time in Oystermouth military protection improved and later became a prison. Then later became a ruin, and valuable documents were destroyed in this attack. It was then not needed for neither military nor domestic use. The military features of Oystermouth Castle stopped developing during the late thirteenth century. This was unlike other castles, which carried on developing into concentric castles such as Caerphilly Castle and Harlech Castle by building another one or two curtain walls around the area of the castle. Castles also improved their military features by adding barbicans such as Carreg Cennen Castles. Machicolations were also developed. An example of a castle with machicolations is Kidwelly Castle. Kidwelly Castle had machicolations over its strong gatehouse. Oystermouth however did not develop these military features unlike other castles in Wales at this time. This was because the Gower was at peace so these features were not needed. Nethertheless, domestic features were built at Oystermouth Castle.
In the thirteenth century, Oystermouth was the home of Lady Alinora de Mowbray. In 1300, she added a large chapel block to the castle, and she may have had some rooms in the western range built. In 1400, the people of Oystermouth destroyed the castle as part of the Welsh rebellion lead by Owain Glyndwr; many valuable documents about Oystermouth were destroyed along with it. Therefore, much information about the castle will never be known. Denbigh Castle in North Wales had many features that Oystermouth did not have. It had three octagonal towers over its gatehouse, with a high position surrounded by a wide ditch of about 30 foot with an impressive gatehouse and drawbridge. It also had two portcullises and murder holes.
Conclusion:
Due to it stopping improving its military features during the 13th and 14th century, Oystermouth Castle missed out on later military features, however had most of its earlier ones. Yet, most of its earlier features did not fit in with the general development of military features, as they came later on and did not fit in with the period of castle making. This was because during its early days it was unsettled and during its later days was settled. This proves that local events did play a part in the castles history.
Oystermouth Castle function:
Military
Oystermouth began as a military function. It first began as a motte and bailey castle with a wooden keep and palisade under Norman control. This was because Gower was unsettled and castles were made to defend the area and surrounding coastline. This was built shortly after 1106. In 1116, “The chronicles of the princes” record the destruction of this castle at Oystermouth.
“There was a castle which Gruffudd, son of Rhys, burned entirely.”
“William de Londres, in fear, left his castle and all his cattle and all his wealth.” He probably never returned. It was fortified again after his attack. This is evidence it was still a motte and bailey castle. In 1215, the next entry was made at the chronicle of princes. At this time, King John gave the lordship of Gower to William de Broase. The chronicle of the princes mentions that Lord Rhys, who was a local prince, attacked and burnt the castle. William De Broase rebuilt it out of wood again following his attack. In 1256 the castle was destroyed again during a revolt lead by Llewellyn ap Gruffyd, he was also one of the last princes in South Wales. Not shortly after was this castle built out of stone. Luckily, you are still able to see the central block of buildings forming the keep. After finally becoming a stone castle, Oystermouth began to improve its military features. For this reason, it was still a castle used as a military function. In 1284, the keep had been enlarged and two large buildings were added to the west of it. In 1287, the gateway was strengthened and the curtain walls were rebuilt in stone. Later on, as the Gower became more settled it stopped improving its military features in the late 13th to early 14th century.
Domestic
When Lady Alionora de Mowbray moved into the castle she had a chapel built and possibly some of the room in the Western range in 1300. This chapel was its main domestic function; she probably had this built, as there were no military features needed. However, to keep up with castle development she made a chapel, this was her way of keeping with development through domestic features, as military features were not needed. It contains the finest traceried windows and was the larges chapel of any Glamorgan castle. On the ground floor is a large fireplace; narrow trefoil headed sprayed windows and a garderobe south east corner, similar to that of the above floor. The top floor was a large chapel.
Prison
Shortly after the son of Alionara de Mowbray, it became the residence of the Steward of the lord of the Gower. It now became a prison shortly after 1350. An absentee lordship meant more emphasis was placed on financial exploitation than military protection, which later on did not encourage loyalty.
Ruin
It was in 1400, during Owain Glyndwr’s uprising, the people of the castle helped him take over the castle themselves. Due to previous lack of loyalty through exploitation, this had turned them against their lord. Though, through this attack, ruined it and also destroyed the many valuable documents which related to the castle. After this attack, it became a ruin; we know this, as it was described, as a ruin in John de Mowbrays will. We also know it was a ruin, as a survey carried out for Oliver Cromewell from source D describes the castle as “an old decayed castle.” The castle had been destroyed, and was neither needed for military nor domestic use. Due to the attack, there were no documents about the castle; the only time the castle was mentioned at this period was from other accounts from other castles.
Tourist Attraction
Having been a ruin for almost two centuries, Colonel C.C Francis of Swansea started repairs on the castle to help restore it to its original state, before the attack as best as possible. However it was in 1927, that the County Borough of Swansea, which looked after it, and then opened it up in later years to become the tourist attraction it is today, purchased it.
Though Oystermouth stopped developing its castles military features, into the later developments, other castles were still improving their military features. Oxwich Castle went on to become a fortified manor hose, as so did Weobly Castle, which was the last development. Castles such as Caerphilly and Kidwelly Castle went on to become concentric castles. Yet, castles did have some features similar to Oystermouth Weobly Castle also went on to have a chapel block as so did Kidwelly Castle.
Unusual features of Oystermouth Castle
Due to several unusual features of Oystermouth Castle historians are faced with problems of interpretation of the castle. These features included its location; drum towers for the gatehouse, chapel, drawbridge, well and its whipping post. All these were features, which took place throughout each function for the castle. It’s drum towers, gatehouse and drawbridge were part of its military function. Its chapel was part of its domestic function. Its whipping post was part of its prison then turning into a ruin. Its location was when it first began as a military function. All these unusual features took place with the changes of the function of the castle.
Site
It’s site was considered unusual as there was a choice of two ridges, and it is not clear why the western ridge was chosen though as the one to the east has a better view of the sea. (Located on the western of two ridges, it overlooks the southern end of Swansea Bay and Mumbles) As the western ridge would have provided a stronger foundation for their heavy stone building. However, the eastern ridge may have lacked a suitable water supply.
Drum towers for the gatehouse
These were considered unusual because it was hard for historians to determine whether they were present or not. The argument for suggests that there were infact two round towers by the gatehouse. However the outer half of each tower was completely removed. Possibly from two attacks either from Oliver Cromwell’s soldier during the Civil War (1642-51) or during Owain Glwyndwrs rising. (1400-12). Yet, some historians believe that the gatehouses towers were never actually built at Oystermouth tower. Instead they argue that the gate was originally designed to be flanked by two round towers, but that local events meant they were never completed. The curved walls, putlog holes and the blocked doorway is evidence of the castles plans, but due to Gower being settled the owners concentrated on adding new domestic features instead. It’s curved walls and putlog holes are evidence for. Its arrow slits, and filled in windows and doors locked up are evidence against.
Chapel
This was unusual because it was so big. It was three storeys high and was built whilst other castles were improving their military features. There are three sets of putlog holes to support this. Oystermouth’s castle is large and this is evidence that the surrounding area was settled whilst other areas were under attack and had to improve their military features. Whereas Oystermouth had the time and money to build it. It included a huge fireplace with traciered windows and a piscina and confession boxes both built into the wall.
Drawbridge
This was considered unusual because it was hard to determine whether similarly to the drum towers if it was present or not. There is evidence to suggest for, such as its holes above the passage. This was possibly to hold ropes to haul up the drawbridge. Also, there is a room located above where they could have pulled the ropes form. However the stonework at homes is not warm. To conclude we would say that it is possible that the ropes were used to haul up the drawbridge, though these would not have worn the ropes as much as the chains.
Other unusual features
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Whipping post: This was a pillar know as the “whipping post.” There are two alternatives for the supposed whipping post. It could either have been where prisoners were chained to the pillar and whipped. Or the pillar could’ve held up the roof
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Well: There is little evidence with this feature, but this is unusual as it’s hard to establish whether it was present or not. The only evidence present it that in room two, the second great hall, the cellar is dark and the floor is damp, which could’ve possibly been a well. However archaeologists have been unable to find its location, if present in the castle.
The later stages of the castles role differ greatly from many other castles due to local events from past years, making the castle suffer in later years, as it was unable to keep up with general development of castle making. This was because it kept being burnt down. During its later stages it was a prison and a ruin. It wasn’t really used after 1400, during the time when the clover leaf castles and fortified manor houses were present Deal Castle is an example of a clover leaf castle, this is in England, as they were mainly built in the south east coast of England, by Henry 8th, as fear of invasion by the Catholic states of Europe. When it became a prison concentric castles were being built. However, other castles later stages carried on to flourish and still stand today. Examples of concentric castles are Beauramis castle, which was a classic concentric castle with a moat and round wall towers. Among the first concentric castles in Wales to be built was Caerphilly Castle, built by Marcher Lord Gilbert de Clare between 1268 and 1281. Most of the other concentric castles were built on the orders of Edward 1st after the final conquest of Wales in 1282. He built a series of them covering the whole of the old kingdom of Gwynedd. This included castles such as Flint, Rhuddlan, Conway, Beaumaris, Harlech and Caernarfon. The final development was fortified manor houses. In its later stages instead of developing to a fortified manor house like most other castles, it was a ruin. Llancaiach Fawr Manor went on to become a fortified manor, as did Weobly castle.
Conclusion:
To conclude having looked at Oystermouths location, development with military and domestic features and its function I have managed to come to a conclusion.
Location?
Oystermouth location was not really typical of many other castles built in Wales, as most of them were located by rivers, as it was mainly castles located on the Gower, which were by the coastline. However, few castles with the same location as Oystermouth on the coast were Oxwich, and Pennard Castle.
Military?
However, due to local events in its earlier development stages, later on Oystermouth was not typical of the bigger military features as it was too far behind and could not keep up. Though it was lacking on bigger military features, it had most of the smaller ones. As it had things like portcullises, murder holes, battlements and stairways. To conclude, as the larger military features were most typical of other castles, as opposed to the smaller ones, it was not really typical of military features due to previous local events.
Domestic?
As Oystermouth was lacking military features, it made up for it in domestic features as it had most of the domestic features, which were typical of castles. Also due to it becoming settled and where it began developing its domestic features as opposed to its military features, this helped it become even more typical of the domestic features typical of castles.
Function?
As for its function, transforming from a military to a domestic to a prison, to a ruin, to a tourist attraction, it did not really fit in with other typical castle functions. In its earlier stages it was typical of most military functions as a motte and bailey castle, then slowly crept behind during the development stages. Then, due to it being settled, it developed its domestic features, which most other castles weren’t doing. As, other castles progressed to concentric castles, such as Caerphilly Castle, and fortified manor houses, such as Weobly Castle. This was at the same time when Oystermouth had turned into a ruin from a prison. Therefore, though it had additional functions, such as being a prison but it wasn’t really typical of other functions that carried on developing their military features, whereas Oystermouth was later abandoned. It later then had some repairs to make it the tourist attraction it is today.
Conclusion
To conclude we would say that Oystermouth was neither typical of being a castle function, typical of the general development of military features or of its location. It only managed to remain typical of its domestic features, due to it being settled and having enough time to develop these as opposed to its military features. Even so, this is not typical of a castles function, as most remained a military one. As domestic features aren’t as important as military ones, or as military functions. Though its location was typical of a small minority of castles, and had most of the domestic features. Therefore, we would have to say that Oystermouth was not really typical of other castles built in Wales during the Middle ages, as constant attacks in its early days prevented it from being used as a military function later on, or having certain military features, and becoming a ruin, which later lead to the castles downfall.
Andrianna Ingram 10MA
