Reference no. 438 Architectural style Norman architecture Architect Edward Bellingham (1547) | Built 14th century Rebuilt 1547 | |
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Location Leighlinbridge, County Carlow, Ireland | ||
Leighlinbridge Castle, also called Black Castle, is in the village of Leighlinbridge, County Carlow, Ireland, on the River Barrow, and was one of Ireland’s earliest Norman castles. A 50-foot-tall (15 m) broken castle tower and bawn wall are all that can be seen today.
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History
One source says that in 1180 Hugh de Lacy built the first castle here to defend the river crossing, while another states that in 1181, John de Clahull built one of the earliest strongholds of The Pale here. The present building is, however, a 14th-century Tower house. Beside the castle was a Carmelite priory, founded in 1270. During the 14th century, the Cavanaghs reclaimed most of their land in the area, including the castle. The castle was rebuilt in 1547 by Edward Bellingham as Black Castle, and a band of horse was kept there, under whose protection the county slowly settled. The castle was situated in the Barony of Idrone owned by the Carews. The castle was sacked by Cromwellian forces in 1650 during the Irish Confederate Wars.
Features
A broken castle tower, 50 feet tall, and the bawn wall compose the ruins seen today. All that remains is the left half of the 14th-century tower and part of the bawn.