Pembridge Castle, Welsh Newton, Herefordshire
Pembridge Castle is an interesting example of a small border castle. This castle was originally called Newland Castle and was most probably built by Matilda de Valery (later de Braose) sometime before 1208. It then passed to the Pembridge family. The castle later passed to Sir Richard Burley. He died in 1387 and it went to Edward Tudor, half-brother of Henry VI. During the Civil War it was used as a Royalist outpost. After this the castle was sold to George Kemble, who tried to make it habitable again. In 1715 it was occupied by Henry Scudamore. It later passed to the Townleys of Lancashire and was then sold to the Baileys. The actual occupants at this time were tenant farmers. During the early 20th century it belonged to Thomas Bartlett. He was a doctor, antiquarian and bishop of a little known Anglo-Orthodox sect. He restored it to its present state.
