Weobley Castle

Overview

Weobley Castle is a partially ruined fortified manor house located near Llanrhidian on the Gower Peninsula, South Wales. Overlooking the wide salt marshes of the Loughor Estuary, the castle was built in the early 14th century as the residence of the wealthy de la Bere family. Although termed a “castle,” Weobley was more a comfortable gentry house than a fortress, combining defensive features with refined domestic architecture. Its dramatic setting and well-preserved remains make it one of the finest examples of a medieval manor in Wales.

Early history

The estate of Weobley (from the Welsh Welboli) was part of the extensive holdings of the Lords of Gower, who granted it to the de la Bere family in the late 13th century. Sir John de la Bere, a local landowner and royal official, is thought to have begun construction of the castle around 1300. Its design reflects the relative peace and prosperity of the Gower during this period, when wealthy families began to favour comfort and status over heavy fortification.

Building and layout

Weobley Castle was built in a roughly rectangular plan enclosing a courtyard, with domestic ranges arranged along the east and north sides. The principal rooms — including the great hall, chapel, and private chambers — occupied the upper storeys, while the ground floor contained storage and service rooms. The hall was lit by large traceried windows overlooking the estuary, a mark of prestige as well as a source of light and air. A small gatehouse and crenellated walls offered limited defence against local unrest, while architectural details such as carved corbels and window seats reflected the family’s refinement. The castle was constructed from local limestone, blending naturally with its coastal surroundings.

Later history and decline

By the 15th century, the de la Bere family’s influence had waned, and the castle passed through marriage to the Penrice and Mansel families. In 1403, during Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion, Weobley was attacked and damaged by Welsh forces — an event recorded in local tradition. Although partially repaired, the castle gradually fell out of residential use by the 16th century. By the 18th century, it was a picturesque ruin, admired by travellers exploring the Gower coast.

Present condition

Today, Weobley Castle is managed by Cadw and is open to the public. The remains include the hall block, chapel, solar, and sections of curtain wall, all standing to near full height. From the castle courtyard, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the tidal marshes of the Loughor Estuary. Interpretation panels and preserved architectural features reveal much about medieval domestic life in Wales. Peaceful, atmospheric, and beautifully sited, Weobley Castle stands as a rare and evocative survival of a 14th-century gentry residence — a place where comfort, status, and subtle defence coexisted at the edge of the sea.