Cilpentan Bach

25/02/2025

A delightful late winter's afternoon and the Red Kites are exploiting the good weather to hunt.
These splendid raptors were once rare but are now local residents.

22/02/2025

A leisurely 12 mile country drive away. Lovely cafe at Newton House just a short walk across the National Trust park from the castle. 😀

Castle Name: Dinefwr
Built by: Rhys ap Gruffydd
Location: Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire
Native/Non-Native: Native
Year Built: Late 12th Century (estimated for current visible structure though earlier versions were centuries older)
Managed by:

A castle which, at various points, was under the ownership of Rhodri Mawr, Hywel Dda, Rhys ap Gruffydd, Llywelyn Fawr and Edward Longshanks, you say? This is surely one of the more interesting ones!

Castell Dinefwr is similar to Castell Deganwy in that it is believed to significantly predate the 12th-13th century native castles and has a long (and deeply complex) history.

The original timber castle on the site was constructed by the Welsh Kings of Deheubarth, with the legendary (though very much historical) King Rhodri Mawr (820-878 AD), believed to have been the King to order its construction. It is most often associated with having been the seat of Rhodri's grandson, Hywel Dda (942–950 AD), the first King of Deheubarth; King of most of Cymru and one of our most important historical figures (Hywel Dda’s Laws, anyone?) and Kings.

Over time, it evolved into a more elaborate stone castle, with some parts dating back to the 12th-13th century, during which time it is connected to Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132 – 28 April 1197). One of the most notable periods in Dinefwr's history was during the rule of the powerful Rhys family. Nest, the daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr, also called the castle home. The Tewdwrs would eventually become the Tudor dynasty, the same dynasty which - despite its Welsh origins - would cause arguably more damage to Cymru than any other.

In the first half of the 13th century, the castle would come into the possession of, who else, Llywelyn Fawr - he would restore the castle and it is possible it was during this time the castle became fortified in stone. By 1277, however, the castle would be captured by Edward I through a shady deal with Rhys ap Maredudd which Edward never kept.

(Link in bio for full post)

(Image Credits: David Evans @ Flickr)

20/02/2025

One of the more unusual fungi to be seen at Cilpentan Bach.
These are Scarlet Elf cups, they 'fruit' between January and March in moist woodland.

13/02/2025

One of the two small town centres within 6 miles -

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=943599477796413&id=100064391093466

06/02/2025

A delightful frosty morning at Cilpentan

30/01/2025

Late winter sun on the Mynydd Du (Black Mountain) and a gentle sunset at Cilpentan. :D

24/01/2025

One of our local ‘famous’ waterfalls. Only 9 miles away lovely walks down the river and falls. Some even go swimming 🥶

23/01/2025

We are now listed on the Dramatic Heart of Wales site 💙

13/01/2025

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rebecca-evans-919749266_wales-yearofcroeso-hwyl-activity-7284538459405312001-SPmS?utm_medium=ios_app&utm_source=social_share_sheet&utm_campaign=copy_link

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 ♥️ Come and feel the hwyl - only in Wales!

06/01/2025

Traveling to Wales by train is just a bit cheaper just now. Neath is van our nearest station and we can arrange pickup if prior notice given.

Escape the January blues with up to 50% off selected Advance tickets, available at GWR.com and the GWR app in The Great GWR Getaway Sale.

31/12/2024

27/11/2024

Proud to live in, and be part of valleys regeneration

20/11/2024

Bit of a Winter Wonderland on the farm today…….

05/11/2024

Autumn has arrived a Cilpentan and the dogs think it is rather wonderful.

03/11/2024

14/10/2024

04/10/2024

And yet another Quarter year as a Superhost. 😃 thank you to all our wonderful, appreciative guests.

30/08/2024

Feegle, the Highland gelding, and some of our goats enjoying a spot of supplementary feeding.