What is the difference between a Norman castle and a Welsh llys?
The dense collection of castles dotted throughout Wales reminds us that it has a vibrant history. Yet, if we delve into the pre-Norman era, we uncover a distinct architectural panorama. Instead of the imposing stone edifices that epitomise Norman dominance, we encounter fortified dwellings known as llysoed. These llysoed, exclusive to Wales, stand apart from the Norman castles in their structure, function, and cultural importance, mirroring the diverse societies and resources of the Welsh and Normans.
Before the Norman invasion, Welsh royalty did not build the kind of castles that remain for us to view in Wales today. The nobility would build a llys, often on old iron age earthworks or hillforts and capitalising on the advantage of a lofty or remote position as a natural defence. The llys was an administrative and residential centre. Far from the strong military presence found in Norman castles, a llys would only be lightly defended and was the place the Welsh king and his entourage would stay as they travelled through their lands. Stone walls might enclose light fortifications, and people would come and go from the surrounding land to meet with the king. The relatively modest fortifications reflected a reluctance to provoke hostile reactions. The llys would also serve as a centre for justice for the area. Such a system reflects the nature of Welsh governance at that time, which relied more on kinship bonds than fear or military might.
The advent of the Normans in Wales marked a new epoch in fortification. Under the leadership of William the Conqueror, they introduced the motte-and-bailey castles. These initial wooden structures, though transient, were a testament to the Normans' strategic acumen and adaptability. Gradually, these castles metamorphosed into formidable stone fortresses, a clear testament to the Normans' unwavering commitment to their conquest and their capacity to retain control over the newly acquired lands.
Norman castles were not just structures, but symbols of power and control. They were designed to dominate the landscape and instill fear in the local population. Typically, the castles featured multiple wards, stone keeps and extensive fortifications. They were more lavishly designed and heavily fortified than their Welsh counterparts, as the Normans had significant resources and the skills of their architects and craftsmen. The Normans built these castles not just to assert their power, but to maintain control over their territories and remind the populace of their enduring rule. The construction of these imposing castles was, then, a bold statement of the Normans' power and their capability to maintain control through force.
The contrast between a llys and a castle unveils the cultural nuances that guided the royal families and nobles in their construction choices. The Welsh llys and Norman Castle embody two unique approaches to governance and fortification, shaped by their distinct cultural contexts and historical circumstances. The enduring influence of these structures on our perception of Wales in the Middle Ages and its architectural legacy is profound.
If you would like to immerse yourself in the time of Wales in the Middle Ages, you might enjoy ‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’ and ‘The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’.