Longtown Castle

Longtown Castle
Longtown, Herefordshire, England
The keep and inner gatehouse, 2007
Longtown Castle
Coordinates	51°57′22″N 2°59′28″W / 51.9562°N 2.9910°W / 51.9562; -2.9910
Grid reference	grid reference SO320291
Site information
Owner	English Heritage
Open to the public	Yes
Site history
Materials	Stone

Longtown Castle, also termed Ewias Lacey Castle in early accounts, is a ruined Norman motte-and-bailey fortification in Longtown, Herefordshire. It was established in the 11th century by Walter de Lacy, reusing former Roman earthworks. The castle was then rebuilt in stone by Gilbert de Lacy after 1148, who also established the adjacent town to help pay for the work. By the 14th century, Longtown Castle had fallen into decline. Despite being pressed back into use during the Owain Glyndŵr rising in 1403, it fell into ruin. In the 21st century the castle is maintained by English Heritage and operated as a tourist attraction.