About
Pembroke Castle is one of the finest and most complete medieval castles in Wales — a magnificent Norman stronghold rising above the tidal waters of the Pembroke River, and the birthplace of Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch. Founded in 1093 by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, as a simple ringwork fortification, the castle grew rapidly into one of the most formidable fortresses in Wales and England combined. Its spectacular cylindrical Great Tower, rising 75 feet from its base and dating from around 1200 under the tenure of William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, remains one of the finest examples of early medieval military architecture in Britain — with walls up to 19 feet thick and a self-supporting stone dome at its summit, unique in Britain.
The castle's most historically significant moment came on 28 January 1457 when Henry Tudor was born here to the 14-year-old Margaret Beaufort and Edmund Tudor. That birth set in motion the chain of events that would lead to the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, when Henry defeated Richard III and founded the Tudor dynasty that would transform England under Henry VII, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and their successors. The castle thus stands as a place where English and Welsh history irrevocably changed.
During the Civil War in the 1640s, Pembroke Castle changed hands dramatically — originally a Parliamentarian stronghold, it then declared for the King, leading to a prolonged siege by Oliver Cromwell himself in 1648. Cromwell eventually breached the walls after seven weeks, and ordered the fortifications to be slighted (partially demolished). The castle subsequently fell into disrepair before restoration began in earnest in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today the castle houses a series of exhibition galleries spread through its towers and chambers, exploring Norman origins, the medieval heyday under the Marshall family, the Tudor connection, Civil War drama and Victorian restoration. One of its most dramatic features is Wogan's Cavern — a vast natural limestone cave beneath the Northern Hall, connected to the river, which served as a natural harbour and boat store in medieval times. Visitors can descend into the cavern and peer out across the tidal river inlet through an ancient arch, experiencing one of the most atmospheric natural features of any castle in Britain.
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Plan Your Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Wear sturdy, flat shoes — the castle involves extensive walking on uneven medieval stonework, spiral staircases and cobbled surfaces.
- Allow at least 2–3 hours to fully explore the castle including the Great Tower climb and Wogan's Cavern.
- The climb to the top of the Great Tower offers spectacular panoramic views — worth the effort on a clear day.
- Visit Wogan's Cavern early in your visit before it becomes busy — this is one of the most atmospheric spots in any Welsh castle.
- Check the events calendar before visiting — living history weekends and jousting events greatly enhance the experience.
- The castle can be very atmospheric on overcast days when mist rolls in from the estuary — don't be deterred by cloudy weather.
- The castle shop stocks a good range of books on Welsh history, Tudor history and Pembrokeshire — excellent for following up on what you've seen.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Pembroke's medieval town walls and the attractive town centre for a full day out.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
Norman Origins: The Castle 1093–1200
Explores the founding of Pembroke Castle by Roger de Montgomery and its development under successive Norman lords into the formidable stone fortress of the Marshal era.
The Marshal Earls and Medieval Pembroke
The story of William Marshal, the great knight and regent of England, and his descendants who made Pembroke one of the most powerful Norman lordships in Wales and Ireland.
The Birth of a Dynasty: Henry VII
The story of Henry Tudor's birth at Pembroke in 1457, his years in exile, and the Battle of Bosworth Field that made him King Henry VII of England — founding the Tudor dynasty.
Civil War: Cromwell's Siege
The dramatic story of Pembroke Castle's role in the English Civil War, the switch of allegiance, Oliver Cromwell's personal siege of 1648 and the eventual surrender and slighting of the castle.
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.