Clun castle was built in the late 11th century to proclaim Norman dominance over this part of the Welsh Marches. It later became home to the Fitzalans, and important ruling family.
After the Norman Conquest in 1066, the border between Wales and England remained an usettled area. William the Conqueror granted lands here to his followers to defend the border. These men became the powerful marcher lords, ruling their lands independently of royal control.
One of them, Picot de Say, is thought to have built the castle, high on a natural spru guarding the Clun valley. In 1155, the castle passed by marriage of Isabella de Say to William Fitzalan, and was owned by the powerful Fitzalan family for the next 400 years.
Clun was at the centre of a vast lordship know as the honour of Clu, over which the Fitzalans excercised unlimited authority, administering a mixture of Welsh and English law.*
*From a signboard by the castle remains
My castle’s been invaded by literature, beginning from the last decades of the so-called 20th century. Without any violance.
The peace of the night.
History and literature? Two things I love reading
Uff. You’re an night-owl tonight, eh.
That remind of that it’s time to put my head on a pillow.
The peace of the night.
Ah you and I are both night owls, I remember the wonderful night hour converstions you and I had with other friends over the years
Offering you an ‘a’ for the ‘converstions’, I do agree. We spent some great, entertaining, lovely and inspiring nights.
Some do even seem worth to get re-posted.
Tonight I learned, though, that my blog (?), and my avatar both have been hijacked, which is why …
We shall see.
Hijacked?
Question…How many castle have you seen?
It amazing and I think it would be fun to sleep in one.
Coffee is on
I have visited many castles but I couldn’t put a number on them…
This is a wonderful place to visit. What a great strategic place to build a castle. Don’t you want to be in a time machine and go back and wander around……
I you go to StreetViewGoogleMaps they have a 360 degrees view……
It is in a perfect place and the surrounding countryside is wonderful
A minor King could have been very comfortable in such a well positioned residence. What a commanding view. Now, what would that little round building be used for? The one sitting by itself in the field.
The view is spectacular
Unfortunately I am not sure what that small round building was. I only have limited information on Clun and so far I haven’t been able to identify it from online material.
It could be an ice-house which would make it much later than the rest of the buildings.
That is an interesting idea Jd, thanks
From the picture it seems to have some sort of thatched roof.
It’s a dovecote!
http://s0.geograph.org.uk/photos/08/47/084738_b67a157e.jpg
Inspired JD, thank you
I have now found it on the English Heritage website. The aerial photograph shows the circular marking where the building was and suggests that it might have been a dovecote.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/clun-castle/history/description/
Superb place to visit – such an interesting post and wonderful photos. I haven’t been there for years – since I was a child! Your post has brought back memories
I am glad you enjoyed the post
The Normans said they came from a cultured, well behaved people, at least since the time they had left Scandinavia, converted, married and settled forever in France. And they were very rude about the Welsh, apparently finding them a rowdy and wild people. Thus it was not surprising that they _quickly_ built a rugged castle to demand Norman domination of the great unwashed below.
I am assuming, since it was soon after the Conquest, that the building materials, castle designs and builders were brought from France. Was that true?
Reminded me of the mini version of Corfe Castle!
I don’t think I have ever been to Corfe!!