Painscastle Castle
Painscastle Castle is a
Early history
The first castle would appear to have been built by Pain fitzJohn. The site was probably what remained of a much earlier Roman fort, so naturally defensible. The ground plan is rectangular and Roman artifacts have been found at the site.
Pain fitzJohn was killed by a Welsh raiding party in 1137 and Elfael in which Painscastle stands, was taken over by the native Welsh ruler, Madog ab Idnerth.
Recapture & Refortification
The castle remained in Welsh hands until about 1195 when the area was captured by William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber, who refortified the castle. His formidable wife Maud de Braose, also known as Matilda, held Painscastle against the Welsh for a few months.
Welsh sieges
In 1196
Baronial conflict
William de Braose fell out with king
Campaign against Llywelyn the Great
In 1231 the castle was rebuilt in stone by King
It later passed to the Beauchamp dynasty's hands,
Owain Glyndŵr
Painscastle was refortified yet again at the time of the Welsh rebellion led by Owain Glyndŵr in 1401 while under the Beauchamps for the King, Henry IV.
Today
Little now remains of the castle other than the massive earthworks.