Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle is a late medieval castle located in the village of Raglan, in the county of Monmouthshire in southeast Wales.  The castle dates back to the 15th century, but construction on the castle continued to occur through the early 17th century.  Raglan castle featured a beautiful gatehouse, and a large hexagonal keep, known as the Great Tower.  In the 17th century, when civil war broke out between the Royalists and Parliament Roundhead forces, and religious tensions grew among the locals between Protestants and Catholics, the defenses of Raglan improved.  Modern earthwork bastions were built around the castle, a gunpowder mill was created, and a garrison of 300 men, along with cannon, was established at Raglan.  By 1646 the castle was under siege, and after a violent summer, was taken by Parliamentary forces.  The castle was ordered to be systematically destroyed by Parliament, but the castle proved to be too strong and only a couple of walls fell, thus leaving a large portion of the castle ruins.  Visitors to the castle can download audio stories through their Bluetooth on their phones.