Carew Castle was originally a Norman stone and timber ringwork and bailey fortress, founded by Gerald de Windsor. Built on the site of a substantial five ditched, Celtic promontory fort, it was defended by a free-standing three storey gatehouse. In the 13th century, Sir Nicholas de Carew founded the Edwardian enclosure castle and encased the outer bailey with a curtain wall. The high curtain wall of castle, is flanked on the angles by huge drum towers and inside is an impressive range of lodgings were built around the courtyard. Rhys ap Thomas, gave the castle a Tudor modernization and in the late 16th century, Sir John Perrot added the great three storey Elizabethan North Range. 3 miles north is Cresswell Castle and 5 miles south-west is Pembroke Castle.