Manorbier Castle

Perched high above a peaceful beach

with splendid views across the coast,

come visit Manorbier with me,

a castle haunted by old ghosts.

Baronial home of Norman style,

it's stood the test against the gales,

a treasure gem in Pembrokeshire,

much loved by Gerard son of Wales.

The masonry of limestone built,

and crafted by fine skillful hands.

Its turrets, towers, round and square

though aged and wind-worn, upright stand.

With strong and crenellated walls,

unspoiled by Medieval gloom,

no savage blows by evil foes

have turned this place to silent tomb.

A quiet solitude pervades,

to capture mood of years gone by.

the chapel and the gatehouse near

and inner ward has views of sky.

On cloudless days this spread of blue

can fall to greet a sparkling sea

and from the heights ones eyes can roam

to cast around on green country.

Neat borders edge the new cut grass

stocked full with flowers in fine bloom,

the colour lifts the whole display

and air is scented, sweet perfume.

I've stood and felt enchanted here,

looked back to times of toil and strife.

Heard strings plucked on a soulful harp

and mused on being Baron's wife.

Reviews

[Neville]

I have never been there except for maybe in flights of fancy but now, having feasted on its history and many views depicted here, I quite fancy a real time trip to Pembrokeshire sometime may be this summer in my new old camper van .. A real treat of an early evening May Day read Chris thank you :)

[Chris Shaw]

It was a lovely sunny day when we visited, but not at all crowded with visitors. The ambience was very medieval and I was transported in time. So, if you have a camper van Neville, it is well worth a try. Positioned right on the coastline. Beautiful views. Pleased you enjoyed the Thank you kindly.

Chris

[Neville]

I pick it up next weekend .. thanks for the tip Chris ..

[Chris Shaw]

Oh, you are going to have such fun Neville:))

[Jon Roggie]

It is hard to describe how a place feels. To be able to make your audience feel it takes talent. You have shown that here.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jon for your review.

Chris

[lakinbob]

The style of this poem harks back to the classics; which is a good thing as there is too much inner angst penned nowadays that purports to be poetry.

Liked this a lot and will read more of you.

LB

[Chris Shaw]

Quite a compliment Bob. I am very fond of classical poetry. Thank you.

Chris

[Crowley]

Sounds really beautiful, and yes I will tag along....lol. You have painted a wonderful portrait as you always do and make me want to go and visit all these places. Wonderful piece!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Crowley. You'd love this castle. Great place to visit.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

Nicely written, just love castles and their haunted history. Imagery and flow stunning.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew :))

Chris

[Vivian Gospel]

I am so fascinated by feudalist medieval stuff, and your poetry brings that out so well. Glad to have read it.

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed the read. Thank you so much.

Chris

[Vivian Gospel]

My pleasure

[Melissa]

Excellent details. You give life to those cold stones.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Melissa. Beautiful place to visit.

Chris

[Pete]

thanks for taking me there. i shook with chills of old. can just feel the history, scenic view and way of life. lovely write ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

There was a real historical ambiance there Pete. Great place to go and reflect. Thank you.
read moreThere was a real historical ambiance there Pete. Great place to go and reflect. Thank you.

Chris

[Pete]

thanks. i love historic places. there is an intriguing ambience ... :)

[Lorry]

Beautifully written Chris. I love the feelings and smells of walking round castles and their grounds. I don't know what it is to polish the wood in these places, but I call it ghost flavoured, as it has an air of history about it itself. No quick wipe with pledge and a duster, its a far more anciently ingrained smell.
It also helps that they have suits of armour in most of them. I'm fascinated by them, but thankful the fashion died out. Imagine having to wear that to go to Tesco :)

[Chris Shaw]

Ha, ha Lorry. Tesco's indeed. That would be fun pushing the shopping trolley in full armour :)) Thank you so much.

Chris

[ohiojohn]

Ohio/has/a/few/Castles/also;
Nothing/like/royalty/though/ha!

http://www.piattcastles.org/Home.html

[Chris Shaw]

Will have to take a look, thank you.