Kidwelly Castle’s stone walls and impressive defensive features, including towers and gatehouses, date largely from this period of reconstruction in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

Key Architectural Features

• Curtain Walls: Thick and tall stone walls surround the castle, designed to resist battering and siege engines.
   

• Towers: Several round and square towers are spaced along the curtain walls to provide overlapping fields of fire for archers.
   

• Gatehouse: A heavily fortified entrance with portcullis and murder holes to defend against attackers.
   

• Inner Bailey: Contained the lord’s residence, chapel, and essential buildings for daily life.
   

• Outer Bailey: Used for stables, workshops, and housing soldiers.
   

These fortifications made Kidwelly Castle one of the most formidable castles in Wales.

Political Role in the 13th Century

The 13th century was a turbulent era for Wales, with frequent conflicts between the Welsh princes and the English crown. Kidwelly Castle was central to the English strategy of controlling Wales.

The Role During Llywelyn ap Gruffudd’s Reign

Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales, launched several campaigns in the 13th century to unify Wales and resist English domination. Kidwelly Castle, held by the English crown, was a key stronghold against his forces.

The castle changed hands multiple times during this period, often besieged but rarely captured, testifying to its strong defensive position. It also served as a base for English administration in the region.

Edward I and the Conquest of Wales

The English King Edward I undertook a full-scale conquest of Wales in the late 13th century. He is famous for building a chain of massive castles across Wales, including Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech. While Kidwelly was not rebuilt by Edward I, it was incorporated into the network of royal fortresses that symbolized English control.

Kidwelly Castle was granted to loyal English lords who administered the surrounding lands. It functioned as a military garrison and a center for local government. shutdown123