Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan

An interesting day today we did want to go to Hay-on-Wye, however the main road we normally use was closed and trying to navigate or way round without a map or satnav did not work - so we headed through Brecon and decided to visit Llandovery, have lunch and visit the castle.

At least it was a lovely sunny day - we couldn't have stayed at home if we wanted to because we were having the electrics rewired at the house - so had to escape.

The statue if Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan stands in what remains of Llandovery Castle:

The Normans began construction of the castle in 1116, and shortly thereafter stopped. It was attacked and partially destroyed by Welsh forces under Gruffydd ap Rhys. The castle remained in Norman hands until 1158, when Rhys ap Gruffydd, youngest son of Gruffydd ap Rhys, seized the castle from its owner. The castle changed hands over the next several years, finally falling to the English under Edward I in 1277. It was briefly retaken by Welsh forces under Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1282. It was attacked during the Owain Glyndŵr rebellion in 1403 and left a partial ruin. The castle fell into decline beginning in the 14th century and was never rebuilt.

For more look HERE

Llandovery is a small town but a lovely place to visit with plenty of pubs and places to eat as well as a couple of antique shops and craft centre.

Looking at the photos of this statue, the fact there is nothing beneath the helmet and armour reminds of an old episode of Dr Who.....