Kidwelly, United Kingdom

History

Kidwelly either means "the land of Cadwal" or comes from the combination of the two words Cyd (joint) and Gweli (bed), referring to the town's position adjoining the confluence of the rivers Gwendraeth Fawr and Gwendraeth Fach. It is also sometimes linked to the name, 'Catguoloph' recorded by the monk, Nennius, writing in the 9th century.

Another local legend is that Cunedda invaded the area in the 5th century but was killed and buried at a hill now called Allt Cunedda, north of Kidwelly.

The substantial and well preserved Kidwelly Castle on the north bank of the Gwendraeth Fach river and St Mary's Church on the south side of the river were both established by the invading Normans in the early 12th century. The earliest castle on the site was a motte and bailey structure of earth and timber. During the 13th century the castle was rebuilt in stone, as part of the 'ring of steel' strategy of Edward I for strengthening his control of Wales. The stone castle was built according to the latest strategic military thinking. It had a concentric design with one circuit of defensive walls set within another to allow the castle to be held even if the outer wall should fall. The great gatehouse was begun late in the 14th century but it was not completed until 1422. The castle was besieged in 1403 by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr as part of his rebellion aiming to reclaim Welsh independence.

From the History section of Kidwelly on Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.