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Aerial photograph of Cydweli town, 1989
The Norman castle at Cydweli was established as a huge earthwork in the early 12th century. The stone castle was first raised by the de Chaworths, and was much modified later by the earls (eventually dukes) of Lancaster.
The castle was attacked by the Welsh on several occasions during the late 12th and early 13th centuries and in 1159 it was seized and burnt by Lord Rhys (Rhys ap Gruffudd). It is believed that he was responsible for rebuilding the castle in 1190. By 1201, however, the castle was in the hands of the Normans again and it remained under English rule from then on.
During the Glyn Dwr Uprising, the Welsh attacked the town and castle of Cydweli. The rebels succeeded secured the town and laid seige to the castle for three weeks before an army from England arrived to defeat the Welsh. The castle was severely damaged during the rebellion.
Sources:
http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/
http://www.castlewales.com/kidwelly.html
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