“I love waking up in the morning not knowing what’s going to happen or who I’m going to meet, where I’m going to end up.”
You will be happy to know that this is the last post about Tenby, well for this year at least! Again of castles and history aren’t your thing, look away now….. If you are still looking then I have a beautiful post for you!! Manorbier castle is stunning and perfectly fit for a princess, I couldn’t think of a better place to end my Tenby posts!
The first castle was started in the 11th century overlooking the sea by the de Barri family, and in 1146 Gerald de Barri, Gerald of Wales, was born here. There is a 12th century hall and tower with 13th century, well preserved walls and a gatehouse and chapel dating from the end of the 13th century. Unlike most of the castles in South Wales it was not attacked by the Welsh, possibly as the de Barri family had Welsh connections. It was derelict by 1600, but although it was used during the Civil War it surrendered quickly to Parliamentary forces and survived undamaged. It was partially renovated during the 19th century when a house was built in the inner ward.
Gerald must have loved his birthplace, for he wrote in later years ‘In all the broad lands of Wales, Manorbier is the most pleasant place by far’. He also gives a very complete description of the castle, extolling its ‘excellently well defended turrets and bulwarks’, and its ‘salubrious air’.
With all the castle I have visited over the years (a sentence I never thought I would say) I have never seen one with such a beautiful display of plants and flowers within the castle walls. This castle is beautiful as a walled garden and it is great to see it actually being used for something other than just being ruins.
There is a little cafe within the castle serving delicious food and lovely coffee, as I walked around smelling each and every flower, little girls played as princesses, families picnic-ed on the lawn and dogs leapt between the ruined walls! The sun was shining and visitors were enjoying this in my opinion best kept secret castle!
I wish more castle looked like this, I understand the countrys need and want to preserve our history. But surely it could be done in a useful way! The flowers were covered with wildlife and bees! Imagine if every castle in the country had bee hives in!!
The castle over looks Manorbier bay and a very expensive car park!
And then there is love, you can get married at Manorbier castle and honestly I couldn’t think of anywhere more beautiful to to get married! Maybe I will consider this for wedding number two, although I still need to find prince charming!!
As if being in your wedding dress didn’t already make you feel like a princess! Imagine the wedding photography!
