Welsh Journals

Search over 450 titles and 1.2 million pages

CALTS CASTLE'S HISTORIC ASSOCIATIONS.1 Br W. SINCLAIR JONES. STANDING on the historic site of the ancient border fortress Cans Castle, erected in Norman times for the purpose of agression and defence between the kingdoms of England and Wales, we perceive it occupies an eminently strategical position. Its occupants could see fiom afar danger approaching by way of Shrewsbury Plain or on the other hand, could keep a watchful eye upon the open valley of the Rea, which lies between this spot and the range of Corndon. Secure in its strength, we can realise how it must have served as a refuge when fire and sword threatened to devastate the homesteads of the settlers who dwelt around its walls. The time which called forth such strongholds was one of never-ceasing feud between the new Norman lords of the soil and the Welsh, who, mindful of what had once been their own, were always harassing the usurping strangers, with a view to enriching themselves with what spoils they could secure, after a successful raid. As the Norman barons held their several territories from the King on condition of their keeping the border secure against invasion, and were allowed to enlarge their domains by the forcible seizure of the lands of their Welsh foes — over which acquirements they enjoyed an independent jurisdiction-we can clearly understand that it was to the interest of the Norman lord to add to his possessions at the expense of those of his enemies, while at the 1 The writer wishes to acknowledge that he is deeply indebted to the Powys land Club, Shropshire Antiquarian Society's Transactions, and to Eyton's Shropshire for their historic associations.