Wilton Castle is a 12th century castle built on the banks of the River Wye, possibly replacing an earlier timber motte and bailey castle. Although the grounds are private, visitors can park in the layby across the bridge and take the circular walk public footpath around the outside of the grounds. From the footpath you will be able to view the exterior castle walls.

The castle was originally built by the Norman de Longchamp's to guard the important strategic position where the road between Anglo-Saxon England and Wales crossed the river Wye.

~ History ~

1292 ~ Matilda de Grey, daughter of George Cantilupe, Marcher Lord of Abergavenny for King Edward I,  declares unthruthfully to King Edward that Wilton Castle was built by her Longchamp ancestors in the days of King Edward the Confessor over two hundred years earlier, in order to unsuccessfully secure Marcher Lordship rights.

1308 ~ Norman descendants of Matilda Grey, the Barons Grey of Wilton, hold Wilton Castle.

1557 ~ Following William Grey's capture by the French in the defence of Guinesin in France, he is forced to sell Wilton Castle to raise funds for his ransom. Charles Brydges, who is related to the Grey family through marriage, purchases the castle.

1645 ~ Following sieges at nearby Goodrich and Raglan Castles during the English Civil War, the already decaying walls of Wilton Castle are destroyed by troops led by Royalist Barnabus Scudamore. Sir John Brydges of Wilton castle had seriously annoyed the local Royalists by refusing to takes sides upon the outbreak of civil war, and so upon his return home from church one day he finds both his castle and his manor house burnt to the ground. Sir John immediately declares his support to the Parliamentary cause against the Royalists. Wilton Castle is left in ruins.

1731 ~ Guys Hospital purchases Wilton Castle and builds a new manor house on the site of the old one. The house is rented out to tenant farmers for the next 200 years until it is sold into private ownership.