Virtual Tour

Inner Gatehouse and Keep

Facing across the flat surface of lawn and tarmac of the Outer Ward is the massive form of the round keep. Like the round tower at Windsor this is the dominant feature of Pembroke Castle. It was built soon after 1200 by William Marshal Earl of Pembroke. It was well-nigh impregnable and, had the other towers and outer walls been taken, the garrison would have made this Keep their last refuge. The walls are 19 feet thick at the base and the Keep rises to 75 feet in height and is crowned with a stone dome set as a centre-piece in a triple crown of parapet and turret. Enter the lower door and look up. It is an awe-inspiring sight. It is possible in good weather to climb to the top where marvellous views over Pembrokeshire can be had. This climb should be avoided in high winds. The original main entrance was on the first floor and the wide steps up are a reconstruction of the 14th or 15th century addition.

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