A Forgotten Castle - STORMY DOWN And Its Medieval Remains

Stormy Down near Porthcawl was the site of a Norman castle and a medieval grange.
Not a lot remains of this 12th-century castle but it is the reason why the area is called ‘Stormy Down’

Overlooking Porthcawl, Stormy Down can seem a bleak place. It was the site of a WWII airforce base, RAF Stormy Down. There are also a number of large limestone quarries.

People often think it's called “Stormy” because of its windswept location but the name derives from the name of the person who settled in the area and built a castle.

Not all of the early wooden Norman castles around this part of South Wales were fortified and strengthened in stone. Some were abandoned and all that remains are the classic shape of a Motte and Bailey castle. Stormy Down castle is one of those.

As well as the remains of the castle are the medieval remains of a grange which was once owned by the monks of nearby Margam Abbey. Around the medieval settlement, you can still see the outline of the buildings and a bit of the spiral stairs.

A footpath and bridleway run near the castle but the castle motte itself is on farmland so make sure you close the gates when visiting.

‘A Forgotten Castle - STORMY DOWN And Its Medieval Remains’ - Filmed March 2021
#Castles #VisitWales #StormyDown

Some more videos about local castles and the surrounding area.

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[barrycrump]

I must say, that the opening sequence to this video was just magical and very atmospheric. The rest of the video was very well done as well. Lots of nicely composed shots that lingered just enough to allow the viewer to take everything in, and all combined with an engaging and informed narrative and graphics. Keep up the good work.

[maggienificent]

Wow, this was so cool. I especially liked the spiral staircase.

[andycoles]

Nice one 👍
Really interesting, love stuff like this and especially the bit about RAF Stormy Down.
Thanks 👍👍

[terrycollett]

Very interesting as always.Years ago I worked as a fireman on the railway and some of the time we worked goods trains to Port Talbot.The older more experienced fireman and drivers used to tease us juniors saying if we had to go fire a train to that area we’d never get over Stormy.There was a rather nasty in cline there which meant quite a bit of extra coal shovelling.This must have come from the word Sturmi that you mentioned.

[BEACHLIFE]

A very intersting walk enjoyed watching 👍

[RobCharles]

Enjoyed that Marcus - many thanks! :-)

[stevenedwards]

Just been recommended you're channel. I knew and I'm local for the Bailey went there in 93 a farmer let off a shell in them woods you was in. I Didn't know about the Grange buildings. Also the lost hamlet of tranch is up there. Thanks for sharing

[johnmcdyer]

Yet again fabulous little film Marcus I’m waiting for the fish and chips results and I don’t own none of them, ,, thanks both

[anthonygreen]

Thank very much for the video. Very interesting and right on my doorstep.

[zenzen]

Another great video Marcus. Although I'm a local lad I never knew anything about this old castle. Was nice chatting to you and Mel at Booth's yesterday too :)

[THINKincessantly]

Your choice of music always fits the scene..

[stevepowell]

Great video. I remember there use to be a surplus stormy year ago. Use to walk up there from Cornelly. Didnt know there was once a castle up there.

[livesportsvideo]

Hence Sturmi Way at Pyle village farm industrial estate. Spent many happy days up at Stormy, due to having friends living there in one of the local small holdings. I remember long hot summer days as a 10 year old running wild with friends a horse and an old beat up estate car that we were allowed to drive. Oh how time flies. Really enjoyed that Marcus, never knew any of the history, just that back in the day the quarry was used as an recycling tip, now long gone and filled in. Are you going to feature the Ton as there was an iron age settlement there. A local resident here in Porthcawl has a brother that owns the farm on the top, should you need permission to film, I am sure he would be in agreement to allow you to do so. Worth a try.

[projectearth]

Ayyyy shout out to Porthcawl and Bridgend Area! Keep it up and great research!

[fredexton]

Fabulous video Marcus, I've spent many a happy hour there looking about, did you notice the well head next to the mound? The little stone bridge just through the farm gate between the Mott and Bailey and the later Grange, along with the outline of the pond and stream, thank you very much for taking me back a good number of year's, there's another Mott and Bailey castle just outside of Pencoed, but that's a bit out of your Porthcawl zone/remit, worth a look out of interest just for yourself if you have the time one day, once again thanks for posting the video it's much appreciated.

[PhantoM]

That was nice I enjoyed that thanks, I live just down the road but I had trouble fixing your location there, 🤔I would like to go see now.

[cjhobbyfly]

Another lovely vid... watching your videos is making me want to make similar videos for my own little part of the world :)

[tracyllewellyn]

I am loving your videos, I found them last week. If you are ever in bridgend there's a town called Maesteg and there you will.find a cracking chip shop called The Blue Pearl on Talbot Street. Absolutely stunning Cod and chips and their Irish curry is so nice you can drink it haha. Fish is cooked to order and is skinless and boneless, give it a try you won't be disappointed!.

[grahamecarter]

Great vid bud. That on my doorstep. Might take a trip one day.

[Lexthebarbarian]

The beautiful and melancholic music, were can I get it? Who is it?