OGMORE CASTLE
Ogmore Castle guards a major fording place into southern Wales, and sits on flat land rather than atop a ridge-crest where nature would have provided extra defense. From Ogmore and its sisters at Coity and Newcastle at Bridgend, Welsh access to this Norman lordship was effectively barred. The Normans made their claim to this area as early as 1116, when William de Londres established the first castle (a ringwork or motte) at the site. The surviving earthworks, encompassing an inner ward with a ditch that filled during high tide, may date to this original stronghold.
Not surprisingly, the earth and timber fortification was quickly reinforced with stone, and included a great keep, the remains of which may still be explored. Situated next to the entrance into the inner ward, this rectangular great tower was probably built by Maurice de Londres, William's son, soon after his father's death in 1126. Once rising three stories and 40 feet high, the structure is extensively ruined, but impressive nonetheless. The first story contained the great hall, with an ornate fireplace and elaborate windows. A staircase led from the hall to the floor above, which served as apartments for the lord and his family, and a trap-door opened from the hall down into the basement. A well-preserved latrine tower adjoins the residential complex.
Ogmore Castle's history is fairly uneventful, and by the later Middle Ages, the castle ceased to have any real military worth. From the de Londres family, Ogmore and its surrounding estates passed in the late 13th century to Payn de Chaworth, lord of Kidwelly. The de Chaworth heiress, Matilda, married Henry, the Earl of Lancaster, in 1298, and, consequently, Ogmore became a part of the Duchy of Lancaster. It remains so to this day. In the 14th century, the castle became a center of administrative justice for the Earls of Lancaster, and several manorial buildings were constructed in the outer ward. The remains of a courthouse, a decayed limekiln, and foundations of other structures date from that period.
From: Castle Wales