Wolf's Castle

Overview

Wolf’s Castle is the site of a Norman motte-and-bailey fortification located near the village of Wolfscastle in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Built shortly after the Norman invasion of south-west Wales, the castle occupied a commanding position above the Western Cleddau valley, controlling an important route between Haverfordwest and Fishguard. Although little now survives above ground, the impressive earthworks remain a prominent feature of the landscape and a reminder of the Norman consolidation of power in the region.

Early history

The castle was probably founded in the late 11th or early 12th century during the Norman expansion into Pembrokeshire. The area formed part of the March of Wales, a turbulent frontier zone where Norman lords established small strongholds to assert control over the local Welsh population. Wolf’s Castle likely served as a local administrative and military centre, guarding movement through the valley and providing a base for Norman settlers.

Building and layout

The castle followed the typical Norman motte-and-bailey plan, consisting of a large circular mound (the motte) with a wooden or possibly stone tower on top, and an adjoining enclosed courtyard (the bailey) surrounded by a defensive ditch and palisade. The elevated motte gave excellent visibility over the valley, while the bailey would have contained domestic and service buildings supporting the garrison. Over time, the timber structures would have decayed or been replaced by more permanent materials, though no masonry survives today.

Later history and decline

Like many small Marcher fortifications, Wolf’s Castle declined in importance by the 13th century as the region stabilised under Norman control and larger stone castles, such as Haverfordwest and Roch, became dominant. The site was eventually abandoned and reverted to agricultural use, its defences eroding but the core earthworks remaining visible. The surrounding village of Wolfscastle took its name from the old stronghold, preserving its memory in the local landscape.

Present condition

Today, the motte of Wolf’s Castle still stands to a considerable height, with the surrounding ditches and bailey earthworks clearly defined. The site is a Scheduled Monument and can be viewed from public paths around the village. No standing stonework remains, but the contours of the earthworks vividly illustrate the typical form of an early Norman motte-and-bailey castle. Wolf’s Castle provides a tangible link to Pembrokeshire’s early medieval frontier history and the legacy of Norman rule in Wales.