Usk Castle stands on a hill overlooking the town of Usk, on a site already used for many centuries to guard the river crossing, the castle was first mentioned in 1138, and the Norman gatehouse was built around the 12th century by the de Clare family. The castle was strengthened by William Marshall, who had proved himself in tournaments sufficiently to marry Isabella, a de Clare heiress. He was fa
mous for his skill in castle building – Pembroke, Chepstow to name just a few - so the design for the Garrison Tower at Usk, where the wall-walk passes the tower to give it greater protection, was likely to be his work. The Battle of Usk in 1405 marked the beginning of the end for the Welsh rebellion, when the English forces surprised the besieging Welsh, pursued them across the river and defeated them. The castle then remained in ruins for several centuries, the gate house being used for many purposes including a school at one time. Usk Castle came into private stewardship in 1905 and has since been a family home, yet lovingly conserved and open for all to enjoy.
