ARCHIVE PICTURES.
Sunday 14th July 2002.
Llansteffan Castle.
Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map service. Image reproduced with kind
permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland
The main purpose for my visit to Llansteffan, an attractive seaside village on the mouth of the Towy River, is to photograph the Castle. Viewed from the beach the ruined castle, its walls and towers outlined against a blue sky, and set on top of a green wooded hillside make a wonderful picture.
This second picture is taken from a slightly different angle. I could not make up my mind which of the two pictures I prefer so I have included both. The Normans were not the first to take advantage of this strong hilltop position: fortifications were erected on this site as far back as the Iron Age.
It is quite a climb up to the Castle but it is worth the effort if only for the marvellous view.....
.....up the Towy River....
....and across the river to the village of Ferryside on the opposite bank.
To the northwest are green fields and trees, and a large country house which I believe is the fine 18th. century Plas Mansion .
This present entrance to the castle was built to replace the sealed up gatehouse.
The rear view of the 13th century great gatehouse. The original gate passage at ground floor level was blocked off in the late 15th century to provide extra accomodation.
Construction of the castle by the de Camville family dates from the late 12th century to beyond the late 15th century
The Towy River winds away into the distance and down below the sandy beach and village houses.
This is the inner gatehouse, built in the early to mid 13th century. In the centre of the green are the remains of a well, the castle water supply.
A last look up the river and now I'm off to find some lunch..
It's just a short walk from the beach up to the centre of the village and I had no difficulty in finding a pub for lunch.
The 12th century Church is dedicated to St.Ystyffan, a 6th century Welsh saint.
Just in front of the church is a strange small round shop. I was told it was built on the walls of the old village cattle pound and it bears that name above the door.
A view of the main street and Stick's Hotel
After a look around the village I returned to the beach. There was plenty of activity on the water, small craft of all descriptions went by as I sat and watched. I hope you enjoyed our visit to the castle...now it's time for me to go home.....'bye.
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