Haverfordwest Castle

“When it rains, it pours”, who hasn’t heard that one? So whilst it’s raining best get in the car and drive off in search of more castles, right?

Haverfordwest is approximately an hour by car from Kidwelly if you want to hit them up on the same day.

History

In 1215, the English were raiding the Welsh territories but Llywellen the Great (not sure what makes him so great) left Haverfordwest Castle alone. The castle was thought to be made of stone for when the town of Haverfordwest was sacked and burnt to the ground, the castle remained impenetrable.

In 1405, the French tried to invade but Haverfordwest castle stood its ground and beat them into retreat. *Insert joke about the French surrendering here*

During the 16^th century the castle fell into disrepair and during the civil war, Cromwell demanded the castle be blown to bits to finish the job.

Being repaired sometime later, the castle was used as a prison in the 19^th century. Mostly filled with rioters and smugglers and the odd French POWs (so they got in after all!), the gaol was of poor conditions. No baths, toilets or infirmary and the inmates slept on straw. In 1820s a treadmill was installed so the prisoners could (exercise? No. Not that kind of treadmill) grind flour to make bread for those in the gaol. In 1878, the prison was closed and the prisoners transferred. After becoming a museum, the castle became a local county office but now stands hauntingly empty.