A clifftop castle once stood in for a magical kingdom.
Manorbier Castle near Tenby, Pembrokeshire, became Cair Paravel in the BBC’s 1988 adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, where the four Pevensie children are crowned rulers of Narnia.
The six-part series first aired in November, 1988, starring Sophie Wilcox, Jonathan R. Scott, Sophie Cook and Richard Dempsey as the Pevensie siblings, with Barbara Kellerman as the White Witch.
In the final episode, its towers, medieval walls and coastal backdrop became the heart of C. S. Lewis’s fantasy world.
But Manorbier’s history goes far beyond its television fame.
The castle dates from the 12th century, when the Anglo-Norman de Barri family established it after Odo de Barri was granted the land.
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It was also the birthplace of Gerald of Wales, also known as Gerald de Barri, one of the most influential chroniclers of medieval Wales.
Born at Manorbier Castle in 1146, Gerald wrote warmly of his childhood home.
He said: "In all the broad lands of Wales, Manorbier is the most pleasant place by far."
More than 800 years later, its coastline, castle and countryside helped make it the setting for a children’s classic.
The Narnia connection is still alive.
Holiday accommodation in the grounds is advertised as “Castle Narnia”, with its listing highlighting the castle’s role in the BBC series.
Visitors can explore the castle’s historic rooms and gardens, though it closes to the public during the winter season.
Manorbier Castle remains a striking example of Norman architecture, its curtain walls, great hall and medieval chapel rising above the bay.
For some visitors, it is a journey back to childhood.
The castle’s history links Norman knights and medieval scholars with talking animals and mythical creatures.
For anyone who watched The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe nearly four decades ago, standing beneath its towers may feel like déjà vu.
The castle endures because it captures the imagination, both on screen and in real life.
After J.R. Cobb carried out a lot of restoration work in the 19th century, the castle housed staff and RAF personnel during the Second World War.
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