Question #5

"I am situated on a well-appointed site overlooking the junction of two rivers, the Llynfi and Dulais, guarding the main route into the Welsh territory of Brycheiniog. My impressive round keep crowns a massive mound overlooking a modern home and gardens that sits on the site of my vanished inner bailey. Although I'm much older, one of the earliest references to me was from none other than Gerald of Wales in 1188. What castle am I and can you explain my clues?"

Yes, the correct answer is BRONLLYS CASTLE!

Bronllys is a textbook example how formidable a well constructed motte castle could be. Although the fabric of most of the castle is long gone, what survives at Bronllys is a very impressive Norman motte and round keep, that today still towers over the surrounding countryside. The stone house visible from the keep occupies the site of the former bailey.

Gerald of Wales mentions the castle in telling the story of a hapless knight known as Mahel, who had the misfortune to be at Bronllys when a fire ravaged its defenses in 1165.