Glanworth Castle

13th Century Castle

The 13th century Anglo-Norman Castle was originally built by the de Cauntetons/Condons before being passed on to the Roche family sometime in the 14th century. It remained in their possession until it was confiscated by the Cromwellians in the mid 17th century. The castle, which is dramatically situated on a cliff top overlooking the river Funshion, was built in a number of phases. The first phase was the construction of the hall-keep surrounded by a wall with a gatehouse to the west. In the second phase the gate passage was blocked, the building was extended northwards and converted into a domestic residence, and a new gateway was added to the curtain wall. In the 15th century this residence was converted into a tower house and a garderobe turret was added.

Hall-Keep

Northeast corner tower

Loop in corner tower

Remains of residence

During this phase of building a new curtain wall was built further west and towers were added to the four corners of the wall. Other additions to the castle included a bake house in the northwest corner and a long building was added to the east curtain wall. The large openings of this building offer superb views of the, possible mid 15th century, stone bridge that spans the river. Glanworth Abbey can be seen to the northwest from the castle.