Clun castle was built in the late 11th century to proclaim Norman dominance over part of the Welsh Marches. It later became home to the Fitzalans, an important ruling family.
A border castle
After the Norman Conquest in 1066, the border between Wales and England remained an unsettled area. William the Conqueror granted lands to his followers to defend the border. These men became powerful marcher lords, ruling their lands independently of royal control.
One of them, Picot de Say, is thought to have built Clun Castle, high on a natural spur guarding the Clun valley. In 1155, the castle passed to William Fitzalan by marriage of Isabella de Say and was owned by the powerful Fitzalan family for the next 400 years.
Clun was at the centre of a vast lordship known as the honour of Clun, over which the Fitzalans exercised unlimited authority, administering a mixture of Welsh and English law.
Sources
Renn, D F 1968. 'Norman Castles in Britain', London: John Baker
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The text and pictures on this page are derived from the 'Heritage Unlocked' series of guidebooks published in 2004. We intend to review, update and enhance the content in the near future as part of the Portico project, whose objective is to provide information on the history, significance, research background and sources for all English Heritage properties.
