A major stone castle c1081 and held by the first baron Picard in 1103. It was sacked by Richard Marshall of Pembroke c1230 and rebuilt c1245. The round tower within a shell keep and buttress walls remain. It was burnt down by King John in 1216 and rebuilt by Reginald Braose . In 1233 it served as Henry 111's centre of operations against Walter Clifford at Bronllys Castle.
Parts are open to the public.
A companion of Bernard Neumarch , he established himself in the Barony of Clifford and the castle became the administrative centre of the Clifford mesne lordship. Subsequent Lords Clifford were important nationally and are referred to by Shakespeare. The present masonry tower with motte and bailey date from c1230.