ROCH CASTLE

Site Details

NPRN
102780
Map Reference
SM82SE
Grid Reference
SM88032121
Unitary (Local) Authority
Pembrokeshire
Old County
Pembrokeshire
Community
Nolton and Roch
Type of Site
CASTLE
Broad Class
Defence
Period
Medieval

Site Description

Roch Castle was first built circa 1200 by Adam de Rupe or de la Roche, founder of Pill Priory, Milford. The present castle has been dated by G.T. Clark to circa 1270. Though built for defence, it appears to have been adapted to habitation with freestone windows and fireplaces. The de la Roche estates were broken up in the fifteenth century and the castle was then ruinous. It was garrisoned for the royal cause during the Civil War and beseiged in 1644. From 1901-4 it was restored and made habitable for Sir J. Wynford Philipps Bt of Picton, later Viscount St Davids, to the designs of D.E. Thomas of Haverfordwest. Further works were carried out in 1910 and circa 1918-20, the latter by D.F. Ingleton.

The castle has a 'D' shaped plan and is a tall single structure with projecting chambers and stands on an isolated rock outcrop surrounded by a mosted enclosure.

RCAHMW, 17 February 2009