MEYSYDD BRWYDRO HANESYDDOL HISTORIC BATTLEFIELDS IN WALES YNG NGHYMRU The following report, commissioned by Mae’r adroddiad canlynol, a gomisiynwyd the Welsh Battlefields Steering Group and gan Grŵp Llywio Meysydd Brwydro Cymru funded by Welsh Government, forms part ac a ariennir gan Lywodraeth Cymru, yn of a phased programme of investigation ffurfio rhan o raglen archwilio fesul cam i undertaken to inform the consideration of daflu goleuni ar yr ystyriaeth o Gofrestr a Register or Inventory of Historic neu Restr o Feysydd Brwydro Hanesyddol Battlefields in Wales. Work on this began yng Nghymru. Dechreuwyd gweithio ar in December 2007 under the direction of hyn ym mis Rhagfyr 2007 dan the Welsh Government’sHistoric gyfarwyddyd Cadw, gwasanaeth Environment Service (Cadw), and followed amgylchedd hanesyddol Llywodraeth the completion of a Royal Commission on Cymru, ac yr oedd yn dilyn cwblhau the Ancient and Historical Monuments of prosiect gan Gomisiwn Brenhinol Wales (RCAHMW) project to determine Henebion Cymru (RCAHMW) i bennu pa which battlefields in Wales might be feysydd brwydro yng Nghymru a allai fod suitable for depiction on Ordnance Survey yn addas i’w nodi ar fapiau’r Arolwg mapping. The Battlefields Steering Group Ordnans. Sefydlwyd y Grŵp Llywio was established, drawing its membership Meysydd Brwydro, yn cynnwys aelodau o from Cadw, RCAHMW and National Cadw, Comisiwn Brenhinol Henebion Museum Wales, and between 2009 and Cymru ac Amgueddfa Genedlaethol 2014 research on 47 battles and sieges Cymru, a rhwng 2009 a 2014 comisiynwyd was commissioned. This principally ymchwil ar 47 o frwydrau a gwarchaeau. comprised documentary and historical Mae hyn yn bennaf yn cynnwys ymchwil research, and in 10 cases both non- ddogfennol a hanesyddol, ac mewn 10 invasive and invasive fieldwork. achos, gwaith maes heb fod yn ymyrryd a As a result of this work The Inventory of gwaith a oedd yn ymyrryd. Historic Battlefields in Wales O ganlyniad i’r gwaith hwn mae Rhestr o (http://battlefields.rcahmw.gov.uk/) is in Feysydd Brwydro Hanesyddol yng development, led by the RCAHMW on Nghymru behalf of Cadw. This will be an online (http://meysyddbrwydro.cbhc.gov.uk/) yn interpretative, educational and research cael ei datblygu, dan arweiniad Comisiwn resource aimed at increasing knowledge Brenhinol Henebion Cymru ar ran Cadw. and raising awareness of battlefields in Bydd yn adnodd deongliadol, addysgol ac Wales, as well as a prompt for further ymchwil ar-lein, yn anelu at gynyddu research. It is due to be launched in gwybodaeth a chodi ymwybyddiaeth o spring 2017. feysydd brwydro yng Nghymru, yn ogystal ag ysgogi ymchwil bellach. Gobeithir ei lansio yn ystod gwanwyn 2017. Mae’r tabl isod yn rhestru’r brwydrau a’r The table below lists the battles and sieges gwarchaeau a ymchwiliwyd. Bydd researched. Reports will be available to adroddiadau ar gael i’w llwytho i lawr o’r download from the online Inventory as Rhestr ar-ein yn ogystal ag o Coflein well as from Coflein (http://www.coflein.gov.uk/), y gronfa (http://www.coflein.gov.uk/), the online ddata ar-lein ar gyfer Cofnod Henebion database for the National Monuments Cenedlaethol Cymru (NMRW). Record of Wales (NMRW).

ENW/NAME DYDDIAD SIR NPRN YMCHWIL/RESEARCH /DATE HANESYDDOL/ HISTORIC COUNTY

Aberllech 1096 Sir Frycheiniog 404446 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Gildas Research, 2013) Brecknockshire Documentary and historical research (Gildas Research, 2013)

Pont Cychod (Menai 1282 Ynys Môn 404319 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol ac Ynys Môn) (Chapman, 2013) Anglesey Bridge of Boats Documentary and historical (Menai and Anglesey) research (Chapman, 2013)

Bryn Derwin 1255 Sir Gaernarfon 402322 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Chapman, 2013) Caernarfonshire Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2014)

Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013

Non-invasive and invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2014)

Bryn Glas (Pillth) 1402 Sir Faesyfed 306352 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Border Archaeology, 2009) Radnorshire Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2012)

Cloddfa (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2013)

Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2014)

Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Non-invasive and invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2012)

Excavation (Archaeology Wales, 2013)

Non-invasive and invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2014)

Campston Hill 1404 Sir Fynwy 402328 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Border Archaeology, 2009) Monmouthshire Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Cilgerran 1258 Sir Benfro 405201 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Gildas Research, 2013) Pembrokeshire Documentary and historical research (Gildas Research, 2013)

Coed Llathan 1257 Sir Gaerfyrddin 403587 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Chapman, 2013) Carmarthenshire Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2014)

Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Non-invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2014) Castell Coety 1404-05 Morgannwg 545701 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (gwarchae) /Coity (Chapman, 2013) Castle (siege) Glamorgan Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Coleshill 1157 Sir y Fflint 402325 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (2009) Flintshire Documentary and historical research (2009)

Craig y Dorth 1404 Sir Fynwy 402327 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Border Archaeology, 2009) Monmouthshire Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2014)

Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Non-invasive and invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2014)

Crug Mawr 1136 Sir Aberteifi 402323 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Border Archaeology, 2009) Cardiganshire Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Castell Cymaron 1144 Sir Faesyfed 545328 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (gwarchaeau) / (Gildas Research, 2013) Cymaron Castle 1179 Radnorshire (sieges) Documentary and historical 1195 research (Gildas Research, 2013)

1215

Cymerau 1257 Sir Gaerfyrddin 404717 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Chapman, 2013) Carmarthenshire Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2014) Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Non-invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2014)

Castell Dinbych 1282 Sir Ddinbych 545687 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (gwarchae)/ Denbigh (Chapman, 2013) Castle (siege) Denbighshire Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Castell Dinbych 1294-5 Sir Ddinbych 545613 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (gwarchae)/ Denbigh (Chapman, 2013) Castle (siege) Denbighshire Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Castell Dinbych 1460 Sir Ddinbych 545718 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (gwarchae)/ Denbigh (Chapman, 2013) Castle (siege) Denbighshire Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Castell Dinbych 1468 Sir Ddinbych 545720 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (gwarchae)/ Denbigh (Chapman, 2013) Castle (siege) Denbighshire Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Castell Dinbych 1646 Sir Ddinbych 545789 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (gwarchae)/ Denbigh (Chapman, 2013) Castle (siege) Denbighshire Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Castell Dryslwyn 1287 Sir Gaerfyrddin 545605 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (gwarchae) / (Gildas Research, 2013) Dryslwyn Castle Carmarthenshire (siege) Documentary and historical research (Gildas Research, 2013)

Carregwastad - 1797 Sir Benfro 308824 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol Abergwaun (Border Archaeology, 2009) (ymosodiad) / Pembrokeshire Carregwastad Point – Documentary and historical Fishguard (invasion) research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Gŵyr/ Gower 1136 Morgannwg 404856 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Gildas Research, 2013) Glamorgan Documentary and historical research (Gildas Research, 2013)

Grosmont 1405 Sir Fynwy 402333 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Border Archaeology, 2009) Monmouthshire Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2012)

Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Non-invasive and invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2012)

Hyddgen 1401 Sir Drefaldwyn 402310 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Chapman, 2013) Montgomeryshire Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Pont Irfon 1282 Sir Frycheiniog 403411 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Llanganten) / Irfon (Chapman, 2013) Bridge / Brecknockshire Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Cydweli / Kidwelly 1258 Sir Gaerfyrddin 404729 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Gildas Research, 2013) Carmarthenshire Documentary and historical research (Gildas Research, 2013)

Castell Talacharn 1189 Sir Gaerfyrddin 545245 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (gwarchae) / (Gildas Research, 2013) Laugharne Castle 1215 545341 (sieges) Documentary and historical 1257-8 545436 research (Gildas Research, 2013) 1644 545746

Maes Gwenllian 1136 Sir Gaerfyrddin 402324 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Border Archaeology, 2009) Carmarthenshire Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2012)

Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Non-invasive and invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2012)

Maes Moydog 1295 Sir Drefaldwyn 403416 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Chapman, 2013) Montgomeryshire Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2014)

Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Non-invasive and invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2014)

Trefaldwyn / 1644 Sir Drefaldwyn 405168 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol Montgomery (Gildas Research, 2013) Montgomeryshire Documentary and historical research (Gildas Research, 2013

Mynydd Carn 1081 Sir Benfro 300319 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Border Archaeology, 2009) Pembrokeshire Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Castell Newydd 1287-8 Sir Gaerfyrddin 545606 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol Emlyn (gwarchae) / (Chapman, 2013) Newcastle Emlyn (siege) Carmarthenshire Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Castell Newydd 1645 Sir Gaerfyrddin 545768 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol Emlyn (gwarchae) / (Chapman, 2013) Newcastle Emlyn Carmarthenshire Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Gwrthryfel y 1839 Sir Fynwy 405003 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol Siartwyr, Casnewydd (Border Archaeology, 2009) / Newport Chartist Monmouthshire Uprising Documentary and historical research (Border Achaeology, 2009)

Painscastle 1198 Sir Faesyfed 402326 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Border Archaeology, 2009) Radnorshire Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2012)

Cloddfa (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2013)

Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Non-invasive and invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2012)

Excavation (Archaeology Wales, 2013)

Pennal 1472/4 Meirionnydd 403495 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Chapman, 2013) Merioneth Documentary and historical research (Chapman, 2013)

Pentraeth 1170 Ynys Môn 404315 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Gildas Research, 2013) Anglesey Documentary and historical research (Gildas Research, 2013) Pwllgwdig 1078 Sir Benfro 405188 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Gildas Research, 2013) Pembrokeshire Documentary and historical research (Gildas Research, 2013)

Pwll Melyn 1405 Sir Fynwy 402320 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Border Archaeology, 2009) Monmouthshire Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2014)

Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Non-invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2014)

Castell Rhaglan 1646 Sir Fynwy 545797 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (gwarchae) / Raglan (Gildas Research, 2013) Castle (siege) Monmouthshire Documentary and historical research (Gildas Research, 2013)

Sain Ffagan / St 1648 Morgannwg 307776 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol Fagans (Border Archaeology, 2009) Glamorgan Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2012)

Gwaith ymchwil heb fod yn ymyrryd ac a oedd yn ymyrryd (Archaeoleg Cymru, 2013)

Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Non-invasive and invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2012)

Non-invasive and invasive fieldwork (Archaeology Wales, 2013) Twthill 1461 Sir Gaernarfon 403421 Ymchwil ddogfennol a hanesyddol (Border Archaeology, 2009) Caernarfonshire Documentary and historical research (Border Archaeology, 2009)

Grŵp Llywio Meysydd Brwydro, Hydref 2016 Battlefields Steering Group, October 2016

Welsh Battlefields Historical Study

The Sieges of Laugharne Castle Carmarthenshire Historical Assessment

Gildas Research

Report No: 100/08

1

The Sieges of Laugharne Castle Laugharne Carmarthenshire NGR: SN 30211073

Report on Historical Assessment

Prepared For:

Cadw Plas Carew Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed Parc Nantgarw Cardiff CF15 7QQ

Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales Crown Building Plascrug Aberystwyth SY23 1NJ

by Gildas Research 31 Dinas Terrace Aberystwyth SY23 1BT

December 2013

2

Contents Acknowledgements ...... 4 1. Summary...... 5 2. Narrative of the Action ...... 6 2.1 Prelude and Background ...... 6 2.2 Siege ...... 7 2.3 Troops and Casualties ...... 7 2.4 Aftermath ...... 8 3 Evaluation ...... 8 3.1 Discussion of Primary Sources ...... 8 3.2 Discussion of Secondary Sources ...... 11 3.3 Battle Location ...... 11 3.4 Archaeology and Historic Terrain Assessment ...... 11 3.5 Historical Significance of the Sieges ...... 12 4. Civil War Siege 1644 ...... 13 4.1 Prelude and Background ...... 13 4.2 Siege ...... 13 4.3 Troops and Casualties ...... 15 4.4 Aftermath ...... 15 5. Evaluation ...... 16 5.1 Primary Sources ...... 16 5.2 Secondary Sources ...... 18 5.3 Battle Location ...... 19 5.4 Archaeological and Historic Terrain assessment ...... 19 5.5 Historical Significance of Battle ...... 20 6. Bibliography ...... 20 6.1 Primary Sources ...... 20 6.2 Secondary Sources ...... 21 6.2.1 Unpublished Secondary Sources ...... 22 6.3 Cartographic Sources ...... 22 6.4 Web Resources ...... 23 7. Map of Site ...... 24

3

Acknowledgements

This report was commissioned by Cadw and the Royal Commission of Wales, and Gildas Research would like to acknowledge John Berry and Louise Barker for their assistance.

Research was carried out at the National Library of Wales, the Hugh Owen Library, the National Monuments of Wales and the staff of these institutions are thanked for their help. Thanks also to Henry Gough Cooper for allowing use of his transcriptions of both the B and C texts of the Annales Cambriae prior to their publication.

This report was compiled and written by Scott Lloyd.

4

1. Summary

The sieges associated with Laugharne castle fall into four distinct periods. The castle was taken by the Lord Rhys in 1189 following the death of Henry II, Llywelyn ap Iorwerth recaptured it from the English again during his military campaign in South Wales in 1215 and Llywelyn ap Gruffudd did the same during his campaign in the area in 1257/8. Archaeological evidence has been found and can be associated with the medieval sieges. The castle was placed under siege from 29 October–3 November 1644 by a force of nearly 2000 men. This event is well documented and the damage caused by canon fire is still visible on the outer Gatehouse of the Castle.

5

The Sieges of Laugharne

2. Narrative of the Action The three medieval sieges of Laugharne Castle will be dealt with together as they rely on the same source materials and can be best understood in the narrative of the struggles in Wales between native princes and Norman invaders. The Civil War siege will be dealt with separately in Section 4.

2.1 Prelude and Background

1189 On his return from Ireland in 1172, Henry II met with the Lord Rhys at Laugharne and keen to settle affairs in Wales, made him the kings justice of Deheubarth, thereby becoming the representative of the King in this part of South Wales.1 This agreement was backed up by actions, with Rhys leading a force to Tutbury in Staffordshire in 1174, attending the Council of Oxford in 1177 and meeting with the King at Worcester in July 1184. The entente stayed in place until the death of Henry II in 1189, following which the Lord Rhys was less willing to keep the peace with Richard I and started a military campaign in South wales. The B-text of the Annales Cambriae notes that ‘he set fire to Rhos and Pembroke, he raided Gower and destroyed Carnwyllion castle and took the other castles of Dyfed, which were lost due to the calm which meant that they were poorly garrisoned.’2 We have to rely upon the Welsh Brutiau for a reference to Llanstephan, albeit under its Welsh name of Abercorram.3

1215 During the negotiations for Magna Carta, Llewelyn had managed to achieve ‘three Welsh clauses, namely, the return of lands or liberties of which his fellow Welsh princes had been unjustly deprived; the freeing of all hostages, including Llywelyn’s son, Gruffudd with immediate effect; and the cancellation of all charters unfairly extorted from the Welsh princes.’4 Yet, despite the agreement of Magna Carta the English barons were not content and invited Prince Louis of France to be their king. Llywelyn decided to make the most of the situation in England and opened a new campaign against the royal castles of Southern Wales. By starting his campaign in December, Llywelyn took the castle garrisons by surprise and he was fortunate that the winter weather was comparatively mild. He arrived in Carmarthen on 7 December and captured the castle after a siege of five days. Following their success at Carmarthen the Welsh troops quickly took the castles of Kidwelly, Llanstephan, St Clears, Newport and Laugharne.5

1257 The year 1257 saw Llywelyn ap Gruffudd sweep victoriously across Wales. Starting in January with Welshpool on Powys and then in February and March victories continued in Gower, Kidwelly and Carnwyllion severely undermining the power of the Norman lords of

1 Thomas Jones (ed. and trans.) Brut y Twysogyon Red Book of Hergest Version (Cardiff, 1972), p, 159, henceforth ByT (RB). 2 Paul Remfry, (trans.), Annales Cambriae A Translation of Harleian 3859: PRO E. 164/1: Cottonian Domitian, A1: Exeter Cathedral Library MS 3514 and MS Exchequer DB Neath, PRO E. 164/1, (2007), p. 184. 3 Thomas Jones (trans.), Brut Y Tywysogyon Peniarth MS 20 version (Cardiff, 1955), p. 73, henceforth ByT (Pen 20). 4 Roger Turvey, Llywelyn The Great, Prince of Gwynedd (Llandysul, 2007), p. 61. 5 Remfry, Annales, p. 117. 6

the area, Patrick de Chaworth and William de Breos.6 With the Norman forces in a weakened position in South Wales they decided to attack the Welsh in the Towy valley under the command of Stephan Bauzan. The considerable force set out from Carmarthen on 31 May and soon came under attack from an even larger Welsh force under the command of Maredudd ap Rhys and Maredudd ab Owain. Rhys Fychan, who had been fighting on the side of the English, switched sides and left the English troops in a vulnerable situation. With no other option available they had to retreat, but were cut off by the Welsh at Cymerau and were soon overwhelmed.7 Following their victory, the Welsh forces swiftly set about taking the castles in the neighbouring area namely. Llanstephan, Narberth and Laugharne.8

2.2 Siege There is no explicit evidence to a siege of any length in any of the medieval events associated with Laugharne castle, but it is assumed that force was used to take them.

1189 The events of 1189 are only recorded in the Welsh Brutiau and merely state that Abercorran, the Welsh name for Laugharne was taken by Rhys. The B-text of the Annales Cambriae suggests that due to the long-held peace between Rhys and Henry II, the royal castles were very lightly garrisoned making it very easy for Rhys to overcome them. No further details are known.

1215 The taking of Laugharne is only mentioned very briefly in conjunction with the taking of Llanstephan and Kidwelly. The Brutiau state that all three castles were ‘overthrew to the ground’ which suggests that they were completely destroyed, a fact seemingly confirmed by the archaeological findings discussed in section 3.4. Llywelyn’s army was large and powerful during this winter campaign and following the capture of Carmarthen, which had been in royal hands for over a century, the smaller castles of the area were unlikely to put up too much of a resistance. No further details are known.

1257 The success of the Welsh at Laugharne is again only mentioned very briefly in conjunction with the capture of the neighbouring castles at Llanstephan, Narberth and Maenclochog. The Welsh Brutiau state that the castle was burned and this would seem to tie up with the archaeological evidence discussed in Section 3.4. No further details are known.

2.3 Troops and Casualties

No mention is made of troops or casualties in conjunction with the three medieval sieges of Laugharne Castle. On all three occasions the castle was lightly garrisoned, suggesting that there may have been little need for a conventional siege and that a negotiated surrender is more likely. The speed at which the other castles in the neighbouring area fell reinforces this idea. The Liberate Rolls, dated October 29 1258, note ‘the gift of £100 for Guy de Brian in aid of his ransom in Wales, where he was captured in the king’s service and kept in prison.’ 9

6 Ibid, p. 139. 7 Ibid, 196–7, the B-text of the Annales gives a good contemporary account of this event. 8 ByT (Pen 20), p. 111. 9 Calendar of Liberate Rolls vol. IV, 1251–60 (London, 1959), p. 436. A further reference to the ransom of Guy de Brian, dated June 19, can be found in Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry III; 1247–58 (London, 1908), p. 663. 7

As Guy de Brian was in command of Laugharne at the time of the siege in 1257 it seems likely that he was captured at this time.

2.4 Aftermath

1189 Following the capture of Laugharne, Rhys continued his campaign to capture the royal castles of South-west Wales culminating in the unsuccessful siege of Carmarthen.10 With his link to the English crown now gone, Rhys was in a very vulnerable position and took the decision that attack was the best form of defence.11 Laugharne castle is not mentioned again in the lifetime of Lord Rhys, who died in 1197.

1215 Following the capture of Laugharne, Llywelyn and his forces went on to capture Cilgerran and Cardigan just after Christmas 1215. From a position of power, Llywelyn called a council of the Welsh princes at Aberdyfi, where an agreement was reached which saw all of the princes agree to pay homage to Llywelyn and for him to act as intermediary with the King of England.12 This was an important event in the career of Llywelyn and cemented his dominant position in Wales. Laugharne is not mentioned again in the lifetime of Llywelyn, who died in 1240.

1257 Following the Welsh victory at Cymerau and the subsequent capture of Laugharne castle along with those at nearby Narberth and Llanstephan, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd headed for South Wales. He continued the Welsh success in the area by destroying the castle of Trefdraeth, attacking the cantref of Rhos and having success in Glamorgan before returning to North Wales in August to face the forces of Henry III.13 Following the events of 1257 Laugharne castle returned into the hands of Guy de Brian, following a ransom for his release, and he was responsible for the construction of the earliest phases of the stone castle that is still visible today.14

3 Evaluation

3.1 Discussion of Primary Sources Evidence for the three possible sieges associated with Laugharne is restricted to chronicles of Welsh provenance. The Annales Cambriae is the collective name given to versions of a Latin set of annals concerned primarily with Wales covering the pre-conquest history of Wales. Three versions are relevant to this report, the B-text preserved in London, NA E164/1 (c.1300),15 the C-text in London, British Library, Cotton Domitian A.i. (c.1300) and the D- text in Exeter MS 3514 (c.1285) covering the period 1190–1285.

10 Remfry, Annales, p. 184. 11 Roger Turvey, The Lord Rhys Prince of Deheubarth (Llandysul, 1997), p. 99. 12 ByT (Pen 20), p. 92. Turvey, Llywelyn the Great, pp. 64–6. 13 J. Beverley Smith, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd Prince of Wales (Cardiff, 1998), 102–4. 14 Richard Avent, ‘The medieval development of Laugharne Castle, Dyfed, Wales’ Château Gaillard, 15 (1992), 10. 15 For a detailed description of this manuscript see Daniel Huws, ‘The Neath Abbey Breviate of Domesday’ in R. A. Griffiths and P. R. Schofield (eds.), Wales and the Welsh in the Middle Ages, Essays Presented to J. Beverley Smith (Cardiff, 2011), pp. 46–55. 8

The Latin chronicles, or an earlier work that underlies them both, form the basis for the later Welsh texts known as Brut Y Tywysogyon (ByT). This work survives in two forms known as the Peniarth Ms 20 version and the Red Book of Hergest version, both compiled in the late thirteenth century. A third version also exists known as Brenhinedd y Saesson (ByS) that appears to have been written later and both contains less original material and interprets its Latin source differently.16

1189 There is no reference to events at Laugharne in 1189 in any of the Annales Cambriae manuscripts. The only chronicle evidence for the event is found in the Welsh Brutiau, which tell us very little.

Brut y Tywysogyon Pen 20 In that year Rhys ap Gruffudd took the castle of St clears and Abercorram and Llanstephan.17 RBH In that Year Lord Rhys gained possession of the castle of St. Clears and Abercorram and Llanstephan.18 ByS In that year Rhys ap Gruffudd took the casle of St Clears and Abercorran and Llanstephan.19

One further primary reference exists concerning the events at Laugharne in 1189, in the Itinerarium Kambriae of Gerald of Wales. Gerald was related to the Lord Rhys and was travelling in the area in 1191. He refers to the ‘garrisons being forced to capitulate’, but sadly supplies no further detail.

Transeuntes inde navigio flumen Tewiense, et versus Kaermerdin iter arripientes, Landestephan et Talacharn marinis in scopulis a laeva reliquimus. Erant autem haec duo castra, quae Resus filius Griphini, post obitum Anglorum regis Henrici secundi, desperatione custodum citra insultum occupavit.20

We crossed the River Tywi in a boat and travelled on to Carmarthen, leaving Llanstephan and Laugharne on the rocks by the seashore on our left. These were the two castles which Rhys ap Gruffydd took by assault after the death of Henry II, king of the English, the garrisons being forced to capitulate.21

1215 The B-text of the Annales Cambriae provides dates for the capture of castles in South west Wales during December 1215, stating that Carmarthen was taken on 7 December and then Kidwelly, Lampeter, St Clears and Newport were taken before Christmas and that by 26

16 Thomas Jones, (ed. and trans.), Brenhinedd y Saesson or The Kings of the Saxons, (Cardiff, 1971), henceforth ByS. 17 ByT (Pen 20), p. 73. 18 ByT (RB), p. 171. 19 ByS, p. 205. 20 James F. Dimock, (ed.), Giraldi Cambrensis Opera, Vol. 6: Itinerarium Kambriae et Descriptio Kambriae (London, 1868), p. 80. 21 Lewis Thorpe (trans.), Gerald of Wales: The Journey Through Wales/The Description of Wales (Harmondsworth, 1978), p. 138. 9

December Llywelyn and his army had taken Cardigan and Cilgerran as well.22 The C-text states that Llewelyn took Carmarthen, Cardigan and Cilgerran, but provides no further details.23 The only reference to Laugharne in the Latin texts appears in the D-text of Exeter 3514.

At the end of this year Prince Llewelyn of North Wales, a little before Christmas entered South wales with a grand army and in three weeks triumphantly and manfully took the castles called Carmarthen, Saint Clears, Llanstephan, Laugharne (Abercorran), Newport, Cardigan and Cilgerran with their adjacent lands and cantrefs. And he destroyed all the castles as well as unrestrainedly wrecked them except for Cardigan and Cilgerran.24

The Welsh Brutiau provide the additional detail that the castles were destroyed, suggesting they may have been burnt.

Brut y Tywysogyon Pen 20 And thereupon they overthrew to the ground Llanstephan and St Clears and Laugharne.25 RBH And then they destroyed the castle of Llanstephan and Lugharne and St. Clears.26 ByS Thereupon they breached the castle of Llanstephan and Laugharne [Thalycharn] and St. Clears.27

1257 Despite the B-text of the Annales Cambriae providing details not found elsewhere for the events of 1257 it makes no mention of Laugharne, neither do any of the other versions of the Annales. The sole evidence for events in 1257 are the brief references in the Welsh Brutiau.

Brut y Tywysogyon Pen 20 And after that the princes went to Dyfed. And they burned the castle of Abercorram and Llanstephan and Arbeth and Maenclochog and the towns that adjoined them.28 RBH And then the Princes made for Dyfed. And they destroyed the castle of Abercorram and Llanstephan and Arberth and Maenclochog, and they burned the towns.29 ByS And then Llywelyn and the princes went to Dyfed and destroyed the castle of Abercorram and Llanstephan and Arberth and Maenclochog and burned all the towns.30

The lack of any more detailed primary sources makes it very difficult to provide any detail as to the events at Laugharne Castle in the medieval period. However, what little information there is does seem to be confirmed by the archaeological findings discussed in Section 3.4.

22 Remfry, Annales, p. 189. 23 Ibid, p.222. 24 Ibid, p.239. For the Latin text see Thomas Jones, Cronica De Wallia p. 10. 25 ByT (Pen 20), p. 91. 26 ByT (RB), p. 205. 27 ByS, p. 213. 28 ByT (Pen 20), p.111. 29 ByT (RB), p. 249. 30 ByS, p. 243. 10

3.2 Discussion of Secondary Sources

The medieval sieges of Laugharne have generated very little secondary literature and were not discussed in any detail before the archaeological investigations led by Richard Avent began in the 1970s. Humphrey Lhwyd in his Cronica Walliae, a 1559 translation of a version of ByT into English, mentions all three events, but adds nothing new.31 Llwyd’s text was unpublished in his lifetime and David Powel used it as the basis for his The Historie of Cambria (1584) which was to become the standard history of Wales for the next three hundred years.32 There is no reference to Laugharne in the poetry of the period.

The publication of texts of Brut y Tywysogyon in the second volume of the Myvyrian Archaiology in 1801, made available the Welsh original of the text translated by Llwyd in the sixteenth century. Nicholas Carlisle mentioned the 1215 siege very briefly in his Topographic Dictionary of Wales in 1811,33 as does Samuel Lewis in his 1833 Topographical Dictionary of Wales, but neither provide any further details. In her 1871 history of the town Mary Curtis briefly mentions the sieges of 1189 and 1215, but not 1257, and adds nothing of interest.34 J.E. Lloyd in his History of Wales (1911), refers to all three events at Laugharne, but can add nothing further than references to the original sources35 and repeats a similar text in his 1935 A History of Carmarthenshire.36 Indeed nothing substantial, beyond quoting the primary sources, noted above, appears until the first of Richard Avent’s several articles on the archaeology of Laugharne castle, in 1977. The most substantial discussion of the medieval history of the castle is found in his 1992 article, published in the international Castle studies journal Château Gailliard37 and the Cadw guidebook to the site published in 1995 gives a good summary account of the castle.38 No further substantial developments have been published since.

3.3 Battle Location

The castle at Laugharne is a scheduled ancient monument and is now a popular visitor attraction under the management of CADW.

3.4 Archaeology and Historic Terrain Assessment

Our understanding of the archaeology of Laugharne castle is almost entirely dependent on the work of Richard Avent, who published several reports of his excavations there from 1976 and also wrote the Cadw guidebook to the site.39 What follows is a précis of these reports focusing upon the possible evidence for siege activity and castle destruction, during the medieval period.

31 Ieuan M. Williams (ed.) Humphrey Llwyd Cronica Walliae (Cardiff, 2002), pp. 176, 196 and 211. 32 David Powel (ed.) The Historie of Cambria (London, 1584), pp. 242, 272 and 321. 33 Nicholas Carlisle, A Topographical Dictionary of the Dominion of Wales (London, 1811), under Llacharn. 34 Curtis, Mary, The Antiquities of Laugharne and Pendine, with some notices of their neighbourhoods, and illustrations (London, 1871), p. 28. 35 J. E. Lloyd, A History of Wales: From the Earliest Times to the Edwardian Conquest (Oxford, 1911), pp. 574, 648 and 721. 36 J. E. Lloyd, A History of Carmarthenshire, 2 vols. (1935–9), 1189, p. 155, 1215, p. 166 and 1257, p. 286. 37 Avent, ‘The medieval development of Laugharne’. 38 Richard Avent, Laugharne Castle Guidebook (Cardiff, 1995). 39 See the bibliography for a list of these reports. 11

Avent (1991, p.8) identified three clay hearths, directly on top of one another, in a limited excavation within the Inner ward, suggesting three phases of development. All three hearths were located in a building, the plan of which could not be ascertained due to the limited nature of the excavation, but there size suggests it was a building of some importance, perhaps a hall. The lowest (earliest) surface produced an archaeomagnetic date of cal AD 1100–1150 (68% confidence level); cal AD 1075–1175 (95% confidence level). The surface of the uppermost (latest) layer produced a date of cal AD 1120–1200 (68% confidence level); cal AD 1100–1250 (95% confidence level).40

Avent uses this evidence to suggest two early phases of development. The first ended in the middle years of the twelfth century, following which the castle was re-modelled. The second phase was marked by the construction of a substantial defensive bank and stone foundations for a large building. The remains of a wattle and daub partition were found and the destruction of this have been dated by the same method to 1080–1200 and other evidence suggests that the event must have taken place towards the later end of this range.41 The discovery of numerous arrowheads and a spearhead along with other damaged artefacts indicate that the castle was destroyed in a catastrophic event. Avent suggests that on the basis of the archaeomagnetic dating the second phase could coincide with the attack by Rhys in 1189, or perhaps more likely, although at the extreme end of the dating, the destruction of the castle, noted in the brutiau, by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth in 1215.

Evidence for the third phase of development is very thin and focuses primarily upon two surviving stone structures. The remains of these phase three stone towers survive under stonework associated with phase four developments, the north east tower and the southern end of the curtain wall.42 The typology of the phase three towers makes it unlikely that they were constructed before 1215, suggesting that they were constructed following the destruction of the castle by Llywelyn at that date. The third phase most likely ended in 1257 with the burning of the castle by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. Guy de Brian who had been captured during this event returned to Laugharne in 1258 and started an extensive scheme of rebuilding which forms the earliest phases of the structure still standing today.43

3.5 Historical Significance of the Sieges Laugharne castle occupied a strategic position at the mouth of the River Taf In all of the medieval sources it is always taken along with the other strategic castles in the area, St Clears, Llanstephan. It was part of the Norman defences of Carmarthenshire and was never a focus of conflict by itself, but always as part of a greater capture. The meeting between Henry II and Lord Rhys at the castle in 1172 led to a long period of stability and its capture by Rhys in 1189 signified the end of that peace in a very obvious way. The winter campaign of Llywelyn in 1215 was a huge success for the Welsh and Laugharne was one of several royal controlled castles taken at the time. 1257 was another positive year for the Welsh and they were full of confidence following the victory at Coed Llathen. The taking of Laugharne always came at a time of great Welsh resurgence under three of the most important rulers in medieval Wales. It would appear however that they never held it for long and the taking of Laugharne seems to have an almost symbolic value. Almost as if keeping them was not the

40 Avent, ‘The medieval development of Laugharne Castle’, 8. 41 Ibid. The archaeomagnetic date for the destruction of the partition is cal AD 1080–1200 (68% confidence level); cal AD 1060–1220 (95 % confidence level). 42 Ibid, 9. 43 Ibid, 10. 12

reason for sieging them. Laugharne played a vital role in the ebb and flow of Norman control in Carmarthenshire and the castle standing today was built following the final Welsh siege in 1257, the only material evidence for Welsh success can be found in archaeological layers.44

4. Civil War Siege 1644

The Civil War siege of Laugharne castle was subject to a detailed study by Richard Avent in an article published in 1987. What follows is, by necessity, drawn heavily from this comprehensive and insightful work.45

4.1 Prelude and Background

By early June 1644 Colonel Sir Charles Gerard had landed with a Royalist army at Black Rock on the coast of Monmouthshire, near Chepstow. He proceeded at a rapid pace across South Wales capturing the castles of Kidwelly, Carmarthen, Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, Laugharne and Roch, by early July of the same year. Following the Kings defeat at Marston Moor on the 2nd of July, Gerard moved his army to England, leaving only garrisons in the castles he had captured. One of these was at Laugharne Castle, described by the Parliamentarians as ‘one of the holds from whence our forces and the country received the greatest annoyance.’46

In August a ship carrying infantry from London and bound for North Wales to aid the Parliamentarian Sir Thomas Myddleton, put in at Milford Haven. These forces were commanded by Colonel Beale and Lieutenant-Colonel Carter. In October a further ship named the Leopard arrived, carrying an impressive arsenal under the command of Major- General Rowland Laugharne (c.1607-1675), He joined up with Beale and Carter at Carew and their combined forces set out for Laugharne Castle.

Laugharne’s Army most likely approached Laugharne from the north-west along the road leaving south from St Clears. This route would also have been used by any Royalist force attempting to come to the aid of the besieged garrison at Laugharne, making it of great strategic value. Avent identifies the most likely site just north of a house called Ants hill. This area consists of two flat fields, now occupied by the Ants hill Caravan Park. Further evidence that this is a likely site can be found on the 1842 tithe map of the area. The two fields are named as Cannons and Cannon Park, suggesting a probable Civil War origin.

4.2 Siege

On 26 October, two days before the main forces arrived on the outskirts of Laugharne, Col. Laugharne with a detachment of sixty cavalrymen carried out a reconnaissance mission on the castle. They were attacked by horsemen from the garrison at Laugharne and one member of Laugharne’s forces was injured but they did capture a lieutenant, seven troopers and fourteen horses. Little more is mentioned about this reconnaissance attempt in the only source to provide any details about it.47 On 29 October the sources state that Laugharne drew up his

44 Ibid. 45 Richard Avent, ‘The siege of Laugharne Castle from 28 October to 3 November 1644’, in Kenyon and Avent Castle in Wales and the Marches (Cardiff, 1987), pp. 185–204. 46 Thomason Tracts (henceforth TT), E256.44. See also John Vicars, The Burning Bush not Consumed or, the Fourth and Last Part of the Parliamentarie- Chronicle (London, 1646) 71–72. 47 TT E.256.44, p. 3 image 2. 13

army on ‘a plaine mountaine in the face of Langhorne Castle’ and also notes that that night the army ‘were commanded backe to their quarters about a mile from the Castle.’48 Both of these references show that the army was moved from the site north of Ants hill and positioned both closer to the castle and overlooking it. Avent identifies the most likely site for this encampment on the high ground to the north-east of the castle at Glan-y-Mor.

On the Tuesday morning Laugharne called upon the Royalist garrison in Laugharne castle to surrender, which they refused to do, no doubt convinced that the Royalist forces at Carmarthen would come to their aid. Following this refusal Laugharne sent 200 musketeers under the command of Captain Sloman into the town. Within the space of four hours they had taken all of the houses adjacent to the castle walls as well as the church. With the area around the outer Castle wall now under his control Laugharne sent down a further 200 men along with his canon. The fire of the canon was directed at the gatehouse of the castle. An afternoon of bombardment made little impression and all of the forces were ordered back to their quarters ‘about one mile away from the castle.’

On the following morning Laugharne’s troops noticed two bodies of Royalist horsemen on a high hill near the town and he sent out horsemen to intercept them and drew up his infantry so they could be seen. It would appear that this show of strength caused the horsemen to retreat. The rest of the day focused upon the capture of the Town gate which was taken by the evening and now provided a better site to set up the canon in order to attack the outer gatehouse of the castle. The guns fired continuously for the next two days at the Gatehouse and eventually caused a breach. As an added measure the parliamentarian forces also tried to burn the Gatehouse down.

With the threat of Royalist forces coming from Carmarthen to try and raise the siege, Laugharne decided that a full frontal assault was needed in order to try and take the castle as quickly as possible. The two sites chosen for this assault were the Gatehouse which was already damaged and breached, and the forte. Before the attack the sources describe the making of a strong work being raised at the eastern end of the castle green (what is this?) The assault began at 11:00 on the Saturday night and after a short but fierce fight both the forte and the gatehouse were taken. Having taken the outer defences of the castle the parliamentarian forces could now gain access to the inner ward of the castle. These buildings had been converted into a mansion during the late Tudor period and the attackers quickly began mining operations to try and undermine the walls. The besieged garrison knowing that their end was near called out for a parley within a couple of hours and a major Alsworth was sent to negotiate terms. He demanded that his forces be allowed to march away with flags flying, but Laugharne found this unacceptable and would only agree to harsh terms. These terms were printed in TT E20.5:

1. That the Government and other Officers should march away with their Armes, to the next Garrison of the Kings. 2. That the common souldiers should leave their armes behind them in the Garrison, for the use of King and Parliaments 3. That so many of them as pleased should have liberty to go home to their own houses. 4. That the town should be secured from plunder, or any violence offered by the souldiers.

48 TT E.256.44, p. 3 image 2. 14

5. That they should leave their Artillery and Ammunition behind them in the Garrison.49

At 7 o’clock on the morning of Sunday 3 November the royalist troops left the castle and headed for Carmarthen under the terms above. Col. Laugharne then finally took possession of the castle and the siege was over.

4.3 Troops and Casualties The pamphlets in the Thomason Tracts contain several references to the number of forces involved in the siege. The parliamentarian forces were made up of,

The number of both horse and foot were about 2,000, of foot viz the generals regiment, colonel Kilmady his regiment: colonel Beale’s regiment. And the horse the major generals troope and a troope of horse and a companie of dragoons of the major of Pembrookes, and colonel Sheffields regiment.50

The Royalist garrison that tried to hold Laugharne castle is also noted in E.256.44.

There was in the castle Lieutenant colonel Russell, the owner and governour of it. Major, Alsworth a citizen Captaine Ilinton and Captain Fits, and about 200 common soldiers, they marched to Carmarthen.51

The parliamentarian forces under the command of Laugharne seem to have suffered very minor losses. One source notes that he lost ten men and had thirty wounded, whilst another gives the men killed as five, with no mention of the wounded.

We lost in all ten men and had wounded about thirty, wee took nigh twenty prisoners, how many we slew we know not, but sure I am great execution was done in the castle.52

On the Royalist side thirty-three of the defenders were killed and an unspecified number were wounded including a Captain Ilinton

Having lost in all thirty-three men and many wounded, whereof four were captains.53

Captain Ilinton was wounded during the siege and did not leave for Carmarthen, the source reveals that the figure of 1200 for the royalist garrison at Carmarthen is information derived from him. The Siege ended just in time as the royalist garrison from Carmarthen would have arrived the following day and no doubt many more would have died in the inevitable fighting that would have ensued.

4.4 Aftermath Details of what was captured in the castle vary slightly in different sources but are in broad agreement.

49 E20.5, image 2, p. 50. 50 E.256.44, image 2. 51 E.256.44, image 3. 52 E.256.44, image 3. 53 E.21.23, p. 484. 15

Tooke 160 armes, two guns a sacker and a minion, two or three murthering pieces, three barrels and a halfe of powder and 500 weight of small shot. There was good store of butter corn cheese and bear. Very little benefit to the soldier, contrary to their hopes who expected large plunder.54

Following the capture of the castle, news reached Laugharne that the royalist forces from Carmarthen were heading toward him. He set out with his troops to intercept them and when they came into sight of each other the Royalist forces retreated back to Carmarthen. A Royalist garrison at the nearby house of Clogaveraine (modern day Clog y Fran)55 on hearing of the fall of the castle, burnt the house and destroyed its fortifications before leaving for the Royalist stronghold of Carmarthen.

Leaving a garrison in Laugharne to defend it from Royalist attack, Colonel Laugharne set off for Cardigan castle. After three days it became clear that it would not be possible to force a breach of the walls without the demi-culverin cannon used at Laugharne and borrowed from the ship Leopard, be moved to Cardigan. This was done with ‘much difficulty and industry’ and after three days of firing a breach was made and the castle was taken. Laugharne continued his campaigns in Wales until he was defeated at the battle of St Fagans in 1648 and finally forced to surrender to Oliver Cromwell at Pembroke on 11 July of that year.56

5. Evaluation

5.1 Primary Sources The invaluable collection of civil war pamphlets known as the Thomason tracts preserves a vast collection of material for the events of the civil war. All of the references to the 1644 siege at Laugharne are from the Parliamentarian point of view, nothing survives from a royalist perspective. All of the pamphlets are now available online via Early English books online website. A printed catalogue appeared in 1908 giving every pamphlet a number; these are now the primary reference to the collection.57 The pamphlets were printed on a weekly basis usually in London and were made up of extracts from letters sent by commanders in the field and therefore are an excellent source of eye-witness accounts published within a matter of weeks or even days of events. Four independent accounts of the siege survive:

The most detailed primary source for the siege of Laugharne appears in a 10 page newspaper published soon after the event entitled Perfect Occurrences of Parliament. [TT E.256.44]. The account has informed all subsequent discussions of the event and is based upon letters sent by Parliamentarian commanders in Milford Haven.58 It has been references extensively in the discussion above.

A briefer account of the siege is printed in Mercurius Britanicus Communicating the Affaires of Great Britaine, number 61, [E21.23]. It describes the goods found in the castle slightly differently, but otherwise adds nothing new.59

54 E.256.44, image 3. 55 Named as Clog y Fran on modern maps at (SN 24001595) NPRN 17217. 56 Stephen K. Roberts, ‘Laugharne, Rowland (c.1607–1675)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/16122, accessed 9 Jan 2014]. 57 Catalogue of the pamphlets, books, newspapers and manuscripts relating to the Civil War, the Commonwealth and Restoration, 1640–1661 collected by G. Thomason, 2 vols.,, (London, 1908). 58 TT E.256.44, image 2. 59 TT E.21.23 pp. 483–4. 16

A third account is printed in Perfect Passages of Each Dayes Proceedings in Parliament number 7, [E20.5]. It gives a shorter, but still detailed account of the siege with a good description of arms taken following the siege and is the only source to actually print the five terms of surrender.60

A further account appears in a longer work, The Burning Bush not Consumed or, the Fourth and Last Part of the Parliamentarie-Chronicle by John Vicars, published in 1646. As it has not been referenced in the discussion above the text is given in full below.

About the 30 of this instant November, wee were certified by Letters from Sir Thomas Middletons quarters, that Colonell Beal (who went with Foot forces out of London, by Sea, intended for Angle|sey, and so for Sir Thomas Middleton, in North Wales,) landed his forces in Milford- Haven, in Pembrookeshire, in South-Wales, where joyning with the Pembrook- men, hee marched into Carmarthenshire, where the Enemies had a strong Garrison, called Laughorn castle, which this brave Colonell won from them, the exact particulars of which Service being brought to London, in a Letter dated at Pembrook, I have heer thought fit to extract and set down the substance thereof, to the honour of that gallant Colonell, and the other Commanders assistant to him therein, which was as followeth. Wee made our approach to Laughorn castle,and having soon gained the Town, in the Town gate wee planted our Ordnance, and first gave the Enemies a fair summons to surrender the said Garrison for the King and Parliament, which they utterly refusing, wee presently made our batteries against the Castle gate-house, and that not without the happy advantage of a great breach, and so with an unanimous consent of our forces fell to hot storm, and undermining of the walls, both which were performed with such fervour, courage and expedition (and that only with the losse of not above 5 of our men, but at the least 33 of theirs within, as was afterward confessed, by some of their own Commanders) as that the Enemy seeing us in such good earnest and wisely fore-seeing the eminent danger they werein, if they now delayed any longer, they presently sounded a parley, which notwithstanding our advantages being granted them, though at first they began with us on high termes, yet were forced speedily to surrender only upon quarter for their lives, and the Castle thus surrendered into the Generalls possession, wherein were 4 pieces of Ordnance, 160 armes, 4 barrels of powder, and great store of other provision, they having lost in this assault ere it was ended, 33 of their men, and many wounded, whereof 4 were Captains.61

Further minor references to the siege can be found in other pamphlets from the Thomason Tracts. Some are derived from those noted above,62 others note the briefest details of what happened before the fuller accounts appeared in the following week’s edition of the respective newspaper63 and two more simply contain brief references to the siege.64 The only

60 TT E.20.5, pp. 50–1. 61 John Vicars, The Burning Bush not Consumed or, the Fourth and Last Part of the Parliamentarie-Chronicle (London, 1646), pp. 71–2. 62 TT E17.15 and TT21.11. 63 TT E256.35 and TT E21.8 64 TT E21.1 and E21.3. 17

detail from theses lesser sources not found in the four outlined above is that the initial rendezvous for the forces took place at Carew.65

5.2 Secondary Sources Several early authors associate a siege at Laugharne with Oliver Cromwell as described by James Baker in 1795 A short time before the battle of Worcester it was besieged by Cromwell, against whom it held out for sixteen days and then surrendered. It was defended by Sir Sackville Crew and Morgan Lloyd Esq.66 Nicholas Carlisle mentions the 1644 siege very briefly in his Topographic Dictionary of 1811 and Samuel Lewis in his Topographical Dictionary of Wales (1833) provides the following note: During the civil war in the reign of Charles I., it was first garrisoned for the king, but was taken, in 1644, by the parliamentarian forces, under general William Laugharne. Subsequently, when this commander had embraced the royal cause, it was besieged by Cromwell; it held out for three weeks, but several breaches having been made in the walls, the garrison surrendered upon honourable terms, and the castle was soon afterwards dismantled.67 He seems to have garbled events and introduced names into the mix that are unknown elsewhere and this account cannot be relied upon. Curtis 1871 book on the town of Laugharne also gives a similar history and makes no reference to the known events of 1644. Oliver Cromwell was in south Wales on two occasions, in 1648 and on neither occasion did he visit Laugharne. It would appear that the fact that Cromwell defeated Colonel Laugharne has somehow become associated with Cromwell besieging the castle of Laugharne. The only siege at Laugharne Castle was the one of November 1644. The events of 1644 at Laugharne have not been discussed very frequently by later historians. Phillips makes only passing mentions of the siege in his work on the Civil War in Wales in 1874 and neither does he include the most important works from the Thomason Tracts in his second volume of sources. It is not mentioned at all in Samuel Gardnier’s influential four volume work, History of the Great Civil War (1886–1901). The RCAHMW Inventory for Carmarthenshire (1917) provides a plan of the castle and a brief mention of the events in 1644.68 It also mentions the Glan y Mor earthworks, but the association between this site and the siege was not made until much later.69 J. E. Lloyd in his A History of Carmarthenshire strangely makes no reference to the civil war siege at Laugharne.70 Events at Laugharne castle are mentioned only very briefly in Ronald Hutton’s 1982 book on the royalist war effort, referring back to TT E256.44.71

65 TT E256.33. 66 James Baker, A picturesque guide through Wales and the Marches; interspersed with the most interesting subjects of antiquity in that principality, vol. 1 (Worcester, 1795), p. 160. 67 Samuel Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales, fourth edition, vol. 1 (London, 1833), under Laugharne. 68 RCAHMW Inventory for Carmarthenshire, (London, 1917), pp. 62–3 69 Ibid, pp. 61–2. 70 J. E. Lloyd, A History of Carmartheshire 2 vols. (1935–9). 71 Ronald Hutton, The Royalist war effort 1642-1646 (London, 1982), p. 152. 18

Richard Avent’s work at Laugharne since 1976, has been discussed in Section 3.2 above, however the civil war siege was the subject of an important chapter he wrote for Castles in Wales and the Marches, the 1987 book of essays in honour of D. J. Cathcart King.72 The chapter discusses all of the sources for the 1644 siege and is fundamental to our understanding of this event. Peter Gaunt’s accessible A Nation under Siege (1991) discusses the event briefly73 and finally the CADW guidebook to the site, written by Avent, places the event in context. I have been unable to find any further information in either the Carmarthenshire archives or the National Library of Wales concerning the siege, not already discussed above. 5.3 Battle Location The Castle is now a scheduled ancient monument and the Gatehouse still survives. There is little evidence for the town walls and gates. The possible battery sites are discussed below. 5.4 Archaeological and Historic Terrain assessment Glan y Mor In the north-east corner of the field (SN 30631117) is a semi-circular earthwork (PRN 2158) reaching 2m high in places and over 8m wide. The earthwork was described in 1839 as the ‘the battery of the parliamentarians, of a semi-circular form, was established on a rising ground about seven hundred yards north-east of the castle as its remains still testify.’74 The bank was described in 1923and it was noted that it originally extended all the way up to the cliff edge and that a section ‘was removed by the late Mr Weinholt for road mending and building.’75 A geophysical survey in 1991 returned little of interest. The site is well situated for an attack on the castle fortifications and also overlooking the important ferry to Llanstephan. The fields now covered by the Ants Hill Caravan Park, identified by Avent as a probable site for the initial camp of the forces arriving at Laugharne, and the fields adjoining to the north called Cannons and Canon Park on the 1842 tithe map, have not yet been subject to archaeological investigation. The Gatehouse to the Inner Ward of the Castle was reconstructed in the Tudor period and withstood two days of cannon fire during the siege of 1644. Two cannonballs were discovered during conservation work in the mid-seventies.76 The building is still present and much of the damage that can be seen, can be directly attributed to the Civil war cannon fire. Avent suggests that the Parliamentarian guns were likely moved from the earthwork at Glan y Mor down to a site on the hillside behind Fernhill (SN 2994310833) in order to get closer and in a better position to fire upon the Gatehouse.77 No archaeological remains have yet been discovered to support this idea, but the documentary sources, taken in conjunction with the topography of the site, would seem to confirm this suggestion. The distance to the gatehouse from this site is within the range of the canon and would explain the extant damage to the curtain wall and the location of the cannonball finds in seventies. A search of Archwilio, Coflein and the Portable Antiquities scheme produced nothing of further relevance to the Siege.

72 Avent, ‘The Siege of Laugharne Castle’. 73 Peter Gaunt, A Nation under Siege, (Cardiff, 1991), p. 58. 74 A. J. Kemp, ‘Notices of the castle and lordship of Laugharne, Carmarthenshire’, Gentlemen’s Magazine, new series 12, vol. 166, (1839), 353. 75 J. P. G. Williams, ‘Laugharnshire Miscellanea’, Transactions of the Carmarthenshire Antiquarian Society Field Club, 16 (1922–3), 2–3. 76 Avent, R. and Read, E., ‘Laugharne Castle, 1976: introduction, historical summary and excavations’ The Carmarthen Antiquary, 13 (1977), 26. 77 Avent, ’The Siege of Laugharne Castle’, p. 193. 19

5.5 Historical Significance of Battle The siege of Laugharne castle in 1644 was one of many such events during the civil war in Wales. It was taken by Gerard in September and then besieged by Laugharne in November and may have been taken again by Gerard in 1645, although no documentary sources exist to prove this. With the exception of the town history written by Curtis in 1871 and Avent’s 1987 article, the event has received very little attention. The siege was a minor event in the early days of the Civil War and Laugharne castle is never mentioned again following the events of 1644. The fact that archaeological evidence has been found that can be associated with the detailed documentary sources that survive for the siege makes the site worthy of further investigation.

6. Bibliography

6.1 Primary Sources Annales Cambriae A Translation of Harleian 3859: PRO E. 164/1: Cottonian Domitian, A1: Exeter Cathedral Library MS 3514 and MS Exchequer DB Neath, PRO E. 164/1, translated by Paul Remfry (2007).

Annales Cambriae edited and translated by Henry Gough Cooper (Forthcoming).

Brenhinedd y Saesson or The Kings of the Saxons, edited and translated by Thomas Jones, (Cardiff, 1971).

Brut y Tywysogyon Peniarth MS. 20 edited by Thomas Jones (Cardiff, 1941).

Brut y Tywysogyon or The Chronicle of the Princes: Peniarth MS. 20 Version, translated by Thomas Jones (Cardiff, 1952).

Brut y Tywysogyon or The Chronicle of the Princes: Red Book of Hergest Version, edited and translated by Thomas Jones, second edition, (Cardiff, 1972).

Calendar of Liberate Rolls vol. IV, 1251–60 (London, 1959).

Calendar of Patent Rolls, Henry III; 1247–58 (London, 1908).

Cronica de Wallia in Thomas Jones (ed.) Cronica De Wallia and other Documents from Exeter Cathedral Library MS 3514, (1946).

Itineraium Kambriae in James F. Dimock, (ed.), Giraldi Cambrensis Opera, Vol. 6: Itinerarium Kambriae et Descriptio Kambriae (London, 1868).

TT E.20.5 Perfect Passages of Each Dayes Proceedings in Parliament number 7,

TT E.21.23 Mercurius Britanicus Communicating the Affaires of Great Britaine, number 61

TT E256.44 Perfect Occurrences of Parliament (London, 1644).

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Vicars, John, The Burning Bush not Consumed or, the Fourth and Last Part of the Parliamentarie-Chronicle (London, 1646).

6.2 Secondary Sources Avent, Richard, ‘Laugharne Castle 1976–80’, in Avent, R. and Webster P. (eds.), Interim reports of excavations at Laugharne Castle, Dyfed, 1976–1980, and Dryslwyn Castle, Dyfed, 1980 (Cardiff, 1981), 1–33.

–––‘Laugharne Castle 1981–2’ in C. Arnold et al, Interim reports on excavations at three castles in Wales 1981–1982 (Cardiff, 1983), 2–11.

—— ‘The siege of Laugharne Castle from 28 October to 3 November 1644’, in Kenyon and Avent (eds), Castles in Wales and the Marches (Cardiff, 1987).

––– ‘Laugharne Castle’, Archaeology in Wales, 28 (1988), 25–7.

––– ‘The early development of three coastal castles’ in James, Heather, (ed.), Sir Gâr: studies in Carmarthenshire history: essays in memory of W. H. Morris and M. C. S. Evans (Carmarthen, 1991), 167–88.

––– ‘The medieval development of Laugharne Castle, Dyfed, Wales’ Château Gaillard, 15 (1992), 7–18.

–––Laugharne Castle (Cardiff, 1995).

––– and Jones, Martin, ‘Laugharne Castle’, Archaeology in Wales, 33 (1993), 70–2.

–––and Read, E., ‘Laugharne Castle, 1976: introduction, historical summary and excavations’ The Carmarthen Antiquary, 13 (1977), 17–41.

Baker, James, A picturesque guide through Wales and the Marches; interspersed with the most interesting subjects of antiquity in that principality, vol. 1 (Worcester, 1795).

Carlisle, Nicholas, A Topographical Dictionary of the Dominion of Wales (London, 1811).

Catalogue of the pamphlets, books, newspapers and manuscripts relating to the Civil War, the Commonwealth and Restoration, 1640–1661 collected by G. Thomason, 2 vols., (London, 1908).

Curtis, Mary, The Antiquities of Laugharne and Pendine, with some notices of their neighbourhoods, and illustrations (London, 1871, second edition, 1880).

Gaunt, Peter, A Nation Under Siege, the civil war in Wales 1642-48, (London, 1991).

Huws, Daniel, ‘The Neath Abbey Breviate of Domesday’ in R. A. Griffiths and P. R. Schofield (eds.), Wales and the Welsh in the Middle Ages, Essays Presented to J. Beverley Smith (Cardiff, 2011), pp. 46–55.

Kemp, A. J., ‘Notices of the castle and lordship of Laugharne, Carmarthenshire’, Gentlemen’s Magazine, new series 12, vol. 166, (1839), 353.

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Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales, fourth edition, vol. 1 (London, 1833).

Lloyd, J. E., A History of Wales: From the Earliest Times to the Edwardian Conquest (Oxford, 1911).

––– A History of Carmartheshire 2 vols. (1935–9).

Powel, David (ed.) The Historie of Cambria (London, 1584).

RCAHMW Inventory for the County of Carmarthen (London, 1917).

Roberts, Stephen K., ‘Laugharne, Rowland (c.1607–1675)’, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/16122, accessed 9 Jan 2014].

Smith, J. Beverley, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd Prince of Wales (Cardiff, 1998).

Thomas, S., ‘The Descent of the Lordships of Laugharne and Eglwyscummin: Norman Marcher Lordships in South-West Carmarthenshire’, The Carmarthen Antiquary, 6 (1970), 27–52

Thorpe, Lewis, (trans.), Gerald of Wales: The Journey Through Wales/The Description of Wales (Harmondsworth, 1978).

Turvey, Roger, The Lord Rhys Prince of Deheubarth (Llandysul, 1997)

––– Llywelyn The Great, Prince of Gwynedd (Llandysul, 2007).

Williams, Ieuan M. (ed.) Humphrey Llwyd Cronica Walliae (Cardiff, 2002).

Williams, J. P. G., ‘Laugharnshire Miscellanea’, Transactions of the Carmarthenshire Antiquarian Society Field Club, 16 (1922–3), 2–3.

6.2.1 Unpublished Secondary Sources

F Murphy, R Ramsey, M Page and K Murphy, ‘A Survey of Defended Enclosures in Carmarthenshire 2007–08: Gazetteer of Ordnance Survey Grid Square SN31’, Dyfed Archaeological Trust Report no. 2007/27 (2008).

6.3 Cartographic Sources

1811 Ordnance Survey Drawing Carmarthen (OSD 180 part 1).

1831 First Series OS one-inch to the mile, map Sheet 41SW.

1841 Tithe Map of Laugharne Parish excepting Laugharne Township [#328].

1842 Tithe Map of Laugharne Township [#329].

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6.4 Web Resources

Archwlio www.archwilio.org.uk Coflein www.coflein.gov.uk Portable Antiquities Scheme http://finds.org.uk/database/search/advanced

People Collection Wales http://www.peoplescollectionwales.co.uk/Places/FullMap

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5. Map of Site

Canon Park

Cannons

Ants Hill

Glan y Mor Earthwork

Fernhill Boundary of Area of interest

Potential site

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Royal Commission on the Ancient & Historical Monuments of Wales. Licence number: 100020548, 2013. Figure 1: Location Map of Laugharne Castle and associated sites.