Ewyas Harold Castle

The first castle on the site is believed to be one of the very few which were built under the Saxons before the Norman Conquest. This structure was likely raised in 1048, possibly by Osbern Pentecost, on the site of an earlier fortification, likely a Saxon burg built during the 10th century. It was a motte and bailey castle overlooking the Dulas Brook. In 1052 the original castle was destroyed, either on the orders of Earl Godwin or by the Welsh in a raid. Following the Norman Conquest and invasion of the area the castle was rebuilt by William Fitz Osbern, Earl of Hereford. In 1086, the Domesday Book recorded: <blockquote>In the jurisdiction of the castle of Ewyas Harold, Roger holds of…