Dryslwyn Castle

Fragmentary – yet evocative – remains of a castle laid low by conflict

Founded in the 13th century on an isolated hill in the verdant Tywi Valley, Dryslwyn was once an important seat of the ancient south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth.

Not much is known about its early history, but in 1287 it was the scene of a significant conflict between Welsh and English forces. In response to an uprising by Welsh lord Rhys ap Maredudd, 11,000 English troops were dispatched to lay siege to the castle. The conflict lasted two weeks as siege engines and sappers (soldiers with engineering skills, including tunnelling) chipped away at the fortress’s defences. The attackers eventually brought down a large section of the walls and the castle fell into the hands of the English crown.