20/08/2026
🏰 The story of Lawrenny Castle
It’s hard to imagine now, but Lawrenny had a castle for centuries, and the building we usually picture wasn’t the first one.
There was a fortified castle or residence at Lawrenny as far back as the Middle Ages, although exactly what it looked like, and where it stood, isn’t entirely clear. It seems to have disappeared during the Civil War.
By around 1680, the Barlow family had built a substantial new four storey classical country house at Lawrenny. Lawrenny Hall stood here for more than 150 years, but by 1843 it had fallen into ruin.
Then, in the 1850s, George Lort-Phillips decided to start again. A huge Victorian castle was built on the site, complete with towers, battlements and all the medieval-looking details you’d expect. It was finished around 1856-58.
It didn’t have a particularly long life either. By the 20th century it had become very expensive to maintain, and after attempts to modernise it, the decision was eventually made to demolish it. The castle was pulled down in the early 1950s. One of the photographs below shows the demolition.
Although the castle itself has gone, plenty of the old estate remains, including the terraces, woodland, walled garden and parts of the historic landscape.
So next time you’re around Lawrenny, it’s worth remembering that there’s rather more history beneath your feet than you might think. 🌿
