| Location | Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales (Google Map) |
| Open for Visitors | Yes |
| Owned by | Private Owners |
| Official Website | Picton Castle Gardens |
| Rooms Available | Yes (Weddings, Corporate, Events) |
Picton Castle is a 13th-century castle in Wales surrounded by 40 acres of beautiful gardens. It was built by a Flemish Knight, but later it came into Sir John Wogan’s hands. The castle is listed as a Grade-I building, and its walled garden is listed as Grade-II. Now, it is run and managed by Picton Castle Trust, a registered charity, and is open for visitors during Picton Castle opening times, i.e. between 10 am to 5 pm any day of the week.
History
Before 1093, the land of Picton castle was a part of the Welsh Kingdom of Deheubarth. However, after the death of Rhys Ap Tewdwr, king of Deheubarth, the castle was seized by the Normans in the battle of Brecon. However, due to political conflicts between Normans and Henry I of England, the land of the castle remained vacant for more than one and a half centuries.
The Picton Castle was finally built in 1280 by a Flemish Knight but was later taken over by John Wogan. However, the circumstance under which the Wogans got possession is still unclear. By the end of the 13th century, the Wogan family abandoned their castle and started living in the castle. Their heirs lived in the castle for more than a century.
The castle was a motte castle, and it was reconstructed using stone between 1295 and 1308 by Sir John Wogan. There was no courtyard in the castle, and the main building was surrounded by seven circular towers. The main gatehouse and the portcullis entrance were built in the east part of the castle. Even the castle windows were very narrow and were replaced by the large windows at the beginning of the 1400s.
In 1405, the Picton castle was attacked and held by the French troops supporting Owain Glyndwr. However, Wogans still owned the castle. In the 15th century, the only male line of Wogans died. Their heiress, Katherine, was married to Owen Dunn. The grandson of Owen and Katherine, Sir Henry Dunn, only had daughters. The oldest daughter married Sir Thomas Ap Philipps of Cilsant in the 1490s. Thus, Picton castle and gardens came into the hands of the Philipps family.
The Philipps family remodelled the castle and added a new entrance to it. When Lord Milford, the last heir, died in 1823, the castle was then inherited by his cousin Richard Grant. He assumed the Philipps surname. He added the Baronet and Baron Milford to the castle. The Reverend James Henry Alexander Philipps was his half-brother and his heir. He assumed by royal licence the Philipps surname and the arms. After his death, the estate was passed to his son-in-law, Charles Edward Gregg Philipps, in 1887. Then it was passed to Sir Richard Foley Philipps, his cousin, and then to Charles’s grandson.
The Philipps family owned Picton castle until the 20th century. The last members of the Philipps family who lived in the castle were Honourable Hanning Philipps and Lady Marion Philipps, his wife. They gifted the castle to Picton Castle Trust in 1987. Now, the charity is preserving the castle as a heritage building and has opened it for visitors.
Architecture
Picton Castle is a stone castle made in the 13th century. Since then, many reconstructions have been done on it. It represents the medieval era and can be a great location to explore in Wales. It has four symmetrically spaced half-round towers, which you can easily see on its exterior. Also, the gatehouse entrance is flanked by two narrower towers, which is hard to see in today’s time.
The Picton Castle is a house that has the layout of each century. It doesn’t have an inner courtyard and a keep, but you can find some finely planned rooms in it. Each room is remodelled in the 18th-century style. Even all castle rooms, like Ornate Great Hall, the Georgian Chapel, and Undercroft, contain plasterwork, panelling and joinery floors, sash windows, and marbled fireplaces.
Picton castle contains 40 acres of gardens, including a Walled garden and a Mediterranean garden, built in the 1800s. You will find the playhouse, jungle garden, and woodland walks in the castle gardens. It also includes a restaurant and shop. You can also become a part of Events, exhibitions, fairs, and workshops, taking place in the castle from time to time. Even the Picton museum, with a fascinating medieval collection, and the Picton castle Escape room, with adventurous games, can be accessed by the public. The Picton castle opening times are 10 am to 5 pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Picton Castle?
Picton Castle is a medieval castle located in Rhos, Haverfordwest in the Uzmaston, Boulston, and Slebech community of South Wales. You can find this castle on Google Maps and easily reach it.
Does anyone live in Picton Castle?
Before 1987, the Picton Castle was the family home of the Philipps family, but they gifted it to Picton Castle Trust, a registered charity. Now, it is managed and looked after by Picton Castle Trust and is open for the public to visit.
Have you visited this castle before? If yes, why not share some beautiful pictures with us!
You can email us your pictures of the castle at castrumtocastle@gmail.com. Please use the name of the castle in the subject line.
Also, don’t forget to mention your name and social media profile link if you want the credits!
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Debayan Dey
He is a versatile E-Learning Support Officer and former Academic Officer at the University of York, United Kingdom. Not just an expert in education and technology, Debayan also has a deep love for castles and mountains. With a passion for travel, having explored 168+ cities worldwide, and a keen eye for photography, He brings a unique blend of experiences to the table. Specializing in E-learning content, IT support, AR development, and software engineering, Debayan has made a significant impact, educating over 200,000 students on Udemy.
