Fonmon Castle

The origins of Fonmon Castle are poorly documented and most of its early history has been discovered through studying its architecture. A popular myth exists that the castle was built by Oliver St John of Fonmon, one of the Twelve Knights of Glamorgan who effected the Norman conquest of Glamorgan. It has since been shown that this was a legendary tale given credence by a "historic" story in the 1560s by Sir Edward Stradling. There is speculation that a defensive fortification made of timber was built on the site of Fonmon Castle soon after the Norman invasion of Wales, with stonework added around 1200. Archaeology In early 2024, a cemetery from the 6th or 7th centuries was uncovered in a field on the castle grounds. As of 2025, the graves of 39 adults and 2 children have been excavated. Most of the skeletons are female and some of the graves contain shards of pottery and fine etched glass. Further excavation uncovered evidence of an Iron Age settlement. The skeleton of a dog, radiocarbon-dated to 700–500 BC, was found placed intentionally in the entrance ditch of this settlement, perhaps as a symbolic guardian. ==Architecture==

Exterior Fonmon Castle is situated in extensive gardens which are designated Grade II on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. It is constructed of local sourced stone, primarily limestone and blue lias rubble. There is one arched internal doorway which appears to be Sutton stone; but are covered in grey render which disguises much of the stonework. The roofs are of mixed slates with lead gutters and dressings. Although it appears to be of 16th century design, it does not appear on the estate plan of 1622, but does appear on the plans of 1770 giving a wide window for its construction date. Due to its time scale and features, it is assumed to have been constructed during the medievalizing improvements carried out by Robert Jones III. It is constructed of local roughly coursed limestone rubble, which has been lime-plastered. It was given Grade II* listed building status in 1952, with the reason given "an interesting example of a C16 and late C18 look-out tower and for its group value within the gardens of Fonmon Castle". ==References==