Raglan Castle |
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Handsome Raglan, set amongst green, rolling border country, marks the end of an auspicious line. Largely the creation of the more peaceful, later Middle Ages, it brings to a close the great castle-building episode in Welsh history. Its towers might echo those of Caernarfon or Beaumaris, yet they were not built with the same single-minded military intent. Raglan is more a statement of wealth and social aspiration (a precursor to the country house) than an intimidating military presence.
The castle was not begun until 1435 (almost 200 years after the mighty fortresses of the north). Here, Sir William ap Thomas, was able to express his desire for status and domestic comfort in the castle's most famous feature, its stately Great Tower. On ap Thomas's death, his son William Herbert continued the grand work in the same lavish vein, creating a sumptuous palace with formal state apartments and a great gatehouse. Further changes took place in the mid-16th century, after which the castle, in all its finery, was forced into active service.
It acquitted itself well, enduring in 1646 one of the longest sieges in the Civil War before falling to Cromwell's forces and suffering at the hands of his demolition team. Even in ruin noble Raglan remains the finest late medieval fortress-palace in the British Isles, preserving a wealth of decorative detail in its beautiful dressed sandstone walls. It signals the end of an era that began, strangely enough, less than 15 miles away at Chepstow, site of one of Britain's first stone built castles.
General Information:
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Opening Times
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(2009 times)
1 April - 31 October9.00am - 5.00pm daily 1 November - 31 March 9.30am - 4.00pm Mon - Sat 11.00am - 4.00pm Sunday Closed 24th, 25th, 26th Dec and 1st Jan. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
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Admission Charges
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(2009 prices)
Adult £3.00; Concession £2.60; Family ticket (2 + all children / grandchildren under 16yrs) £8.60.Children under 16yrs must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5yrs Free. |
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Directions
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| Via A40 and signposted. |
| Show map of Raglan Castle... |
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Raglan Castle Postcode for SatNav: NP15 2BT |
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Nearby Attractions
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Usk Rural Life Museum
(5 Miles)*
The Museum portrays life in the Welsh Borders as it was at any time between 1850 and the end of World War II. The contents are housed in a picturesque ancient malt barn and adjoining buildings. |
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White Castle
(5 Miles)*
This little-known historical gem is located deep in Wales's border country, today a tranquil landscape but in medieval times hotly disputed territory. Along with Skenfrith and Grosmont, White Castle was one of a triangle of fortresses. |
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Nelson Museum & Local History Centre
(6 Miles)*
Horatio Nelson was born in Norfolk, died at sea, and is buried in St Paul's Cathedral - yet Monmouth is home to a magnificent collection of Nelson material. |
| more attractions in Raglan and things to do in Raglan ... |
| more things to do in South Wales and days out in South Wales... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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National Trust | Estate Agents |
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