Skenfrith is a small village on the Monmouthshire border and a popular place for people who love walking to visit.

The remains of the 13th century castle are a magnet for those interested in the history of the border counties.

The castle is in the centre of the village of Skenfrith, located on the banks of the River Monnow. Skenfrith Castle, along with Grosmont and White Castle, were originally built after the Norman Conquest, but the remains that still stand today date from the early thirteenth century. The three castles were built to protect the main trading routes from England.

There is a circular keep, which is surrounded by a wall with a round tower at each corner, probably constructed by Hubert de Burgh sometime between 1219 and 1232.

The fortress was once surrounded by a 20 foot deep paved moat which fed a mill to the south.

Skenfrith Castle is cared for by the National Trust and can be visited free of charge. The moat has been filled in, and the castle is now surrounded by a grassy lawn, which is a very popular picnic area on a sunny day.

Three of the four corner towers still stand, as does its curtain wall up to the level of the wall walk. The round keep is intact. Skenfrith Castle features in the 2010 Doctor Who episode ‘Amy’s Choice’ as a ruined castle in the fictional village of Leadworth.

The castle is near to the village church of St Bridget which is medieval in origin.

This Ross Gazette reporter was also delighted to meet a beautiful black cat on a recent visit, which appeared to be the guardian of the castle. It did not want anyone to enter the castle grounds and was clearly delighted when the reporter left. If anyone knows any more about this cat contact [email protected]