Roch Castle is a historic fortress located in the village of Roch, Pembrokeshire, Wales. The castle has a long and interesting history, and over the years, various rooms have been named after important figures or events. Here is the history of the room names at Roch Castle:
Ap Gruffydd
The Ap Gruffydd Room is named after the Welsh prince Rhys ap Gruffydd, who ruled over the Kingdom of Deheubarth in the 12th century. He was a powerful ruler and is known for his resistance against the Normans, who were attempting to invade Wales. Rhys ap Gruffydd is remembered as a national hero in Wales, and the Ap Gruffydd Room pays homage to his legacy.
St Davids
The St Davids Room is named after the city of St Davids, which is located in Pembrokeshire and is the smallest city in the United Kingdom. St Davids is named after the patron saint of Wales, Saint David, who was a Celtic monk and bishop in the 6th century. The city is known for its beautiful cathedral, which was built in the 12th century.
De Rupe
The De Rupe Room is named after the castle’s original Latin name, “de Rupe,” which means “of the rock.” This name reflects the castle’s location on a rocky outcrop in the Pembrokeshire countryside. The castle was built in the 12th century by Norman invaders, who sought to establish a stronghold in Wales. The first known inhabitant of the castle was a Norman knight by the name of Adam de Rupe. His name probably derived from the rock on which the castle was built, and many generations of the family resided at the castle.
Lucy Walter
The Lucy Walter Room is named after Lucy Walter, a mistress of King Charles II of England. Lucy was born in Roch Castle, Wales in the 17th century and is said to have had a tumultuous relationship with the king. The room is named after her as a nod to the castle’s history and her birthplace.
St Brides
St Brides Bay is a bay located on the western coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales, where Roch Castle is situated. The bay is named after the nearby village of St Brides, which is situated on the coast and overlooks the bay. The village is named after Saint Bride, who was an early Christian saint and abbess in Ireland. The room is named after the village as a tribute to the castle’s beautiful coastal surroundings.
Nest
The Nest Room is named after Nest Ferch Rhys, who was a Welsh princess in the 12th century. She was renowned for her beauty and was abducted by the Norman knight, Owain ap Cadwgan. Nest’s story has been immortalised in Welsh folklore and literature, and the Nest Room at Roch Castle pays homage to her legacy. The room names at Roch Castle reflect the castle’s rich history and cultural heritage. Each room is named after a significant figure or place, and together they offer a glimpse into the castle’s past and its connection to the wider Welsh and British history.
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