Clun Castle, 1066 to 1282

By Paul Martin Remfry

Clun Castle charts the progress and activities of the Say and Fitz Alan families from the foundation of Clun castlery, probably before 1086, through the Anarchy to the Barons' Wars of the thirteenth century and then finally into the climatic wars with Prince Llywelyn. During this period the Fitz Alans through marriage became earls of Arundel, though they do not seem to have been present at the battle of Clun in 1263.

Style of Chateau Gaillard

The massive masonry remains of Clun castle are examined and its layout explored. The relationship of the new rectangular 'keep' is also explained in relation to its much earlier probable predecessor. Attention is drawn to the buttressing of the plain castle curtain wall with solid half round buttresses. This mimics the style of Chateau Gaillard in Normandy built by Richard the Lionheart at the end of the 12th century. William Fitz Alan, it can be proved, was at Chateau Gaillard in the short period of its building and it would seem likely that he returned to the Welsh Marches and proceeded to fortify his castle at Clun in the most advanced continental manner before his own death in 1210.

British Castles Series

This was the first in the British Castles Series to be published as a successful comprehensive history based solely on original Anglo-Welsh manuscripts. Since this 32 more followed making up the present collection in the British Castles Series. Professionals and individuals find them useful for their research and interest purposes in medieval history, castle ownership, local & family history, and archaeology.

Paul Martin Remfry

Paul Martin Remfry, B.A., M.Phil., studied history at Aberystwyth University College of Wales between 1981 and 1984 and in 1989 obtained a Master of Philosophy Degree by Thesis on the Welsh Dynasties of Rhwng Gwy a Hafren (roughly equates to the old county of Radnor) and their Middle March castles.