Grosmont Castle

Big on the border

Grosmont is a member of an illustrious trio of strongholds. Along with Skenfrith and White Castle, it’s one of the ‘Three Castles of Gwent’ built by the Normans to control a key section of troublesome border country. The original earth-and-timber stronghold, build on a gros mont (French for ‘big hill’), was later replaced in stone.

It experienced an active life. Thirteenth-century reconstruction included the gatehouse and circular towers. Remodelling a century later gave Grosmont apartments fit for a noble household, but by the 15th century the castle was in the wars again, besieged in the rebellion led by charismatic Welsh leader Owain Glyndŵr.