Question #8

"My earlier walls were commended by none other than Gerald of Wales himself! I was originally a simple motte castle dating to the late 11th century, however my defences were supplemented by massive stone fortifications following my destruction in the early 13th century. Although I'm not prone to gambling, I still managed to hit the jackpot last year, which should help bring me out of hiding soon. Come visit me the next time you're roamin' through this part of Wales. What castle am I and can you explain my clues?"

Yes, the correct answer is CARMARTHEN CASTLE!

The town of Carmarthen was dominated by its impressive Roman fort long before the construction of its important and oft' fought-over medieval castle. In the late 12th century, Gerald of Wales reported that portions of the strong Roman walls were still very much in evidence.

Carmarthen began as a simple motte castle, but was strengthened and expanded in stone after its destruction by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth in 1215. Most of Carmarthen Castle has been obscured by modern buildings for decades, however last year the castle was the recipient of a Heritage lottery grant. As a result, there are now plans in place to strip away the modern buildings and restore portions of the castle in order to transform the site into a viable historic attraction.