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PENNARD CASTLE is regarded as one of the 'mysteries' of Gower since there is very little  recorded of its history.
LORE . . .
It is thought to have been built in the 13th century and inhabited for only a short time. The castle is perched in a commanding position on the cliffs on the edge of Pennard Golf Club overlooking the valley. From it there is a sweeping view out towards Three Cliffs Bay and across to Devon. It was a perfect position for a castle except for one unforseen factor when it was built - that of sand blow. It is believed that the castle was gradually encroached by sand during the strong gales in the 14th and 15th centuries and following the great sandstorm of 1607 was completely ovewhelmed. In the late 13th, early 14th century the castle was rebuilt using local limestone and sandstone; the remains of which are those seen today.
. . . . & LEGEND
As always there are tales and legends associated with castles and Pennard Castle is noexception. The most well-known is that of the warlike chieftain who once lived in the castle and who was always ready to rush fearlessly into battle. The chieftain having fought and won a battle was rewarded by being allowed to marry a Prince's daughter. A great feast was prepared for them at the castle. A sentry parading around the castle heard strange noises coming from a glorious light shining on a grassy area on the other side of the valley. The sentry called on the chieftain, who, thinking this was an excuse for another battle, at once summoned his men, and ran down the slope from the castle. On approaching the grassy area they saw a group of fairies dancing and singing in the moonlight. As the fairies could only be seen and not touched, the frustrated chief whirled his sword furiously at them only to hear a voice calling 'Poor Chief - Thou warrest against those that shall now destroy thee. Thou hast wantonly spoiled our innocent sport and for that thy castle and township shall be destroyed'. With that, the fairies vanished and clouds of sand came swirling up the valley from the sea. The force of the gale increased sending sand piling over the roofs of the houses and against the castle walls. Within no time the castle walls were ruined along with the nearby houses.
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