Pembroke Castle has a long fascinating history; building started around 1093 by Arnulf de Montgomery and in the late 12th century the keep was added.  This is unusual as it has a massive cylindrical tower with a stone dome.

Views from the top are terrific; the castle’s natural defensive position is a rocky promontory overlooking Milford Haven

The rooms are all circular and the keep nearly 80 ft high.  William Marshall was the man responsible for the  reconstruction of the castle in stone in the late 12th/early 13th centuries.  An interesting feature of the castle is the gatehouse, which has no fewer than three portcullises.

Pembroke is also the only castle in Britain to be built over a natural cavern :a large cave known as the Wogan. Historically, Pembroke is important not only for its masonry but for the fact the Harri Tudur, who became Henry VII and inaugurated the Tudor line of monarchs, was born there in 1457 reputedly in the tower now known as the Henry VII Tower.

During the English Civil War, the castle was attacked in turn by both Royalist and  Roundheads as the sympathies of its occupants altered.  An attacking force was later led by Cromwell himself.

Present Day 

Today, Pembroke Castle is owned and managed by a Private Charitable Trust. Over the past 10 years much effort has been made to bring the history of the castle to life. In this respect the visitor will find an exhibition room telling the fascinating history of the castle from the arrival of Arnulf de Montgomery to the present day.  In addition, there are a number of exciting tableaux depicting various moments in the castle’s history such as the birth of Henry VII. The castle and a well stocked gift shop are open all year. There is a Cafe and a Brass Rubbing Centre.  Concerts are also held regularly.

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