The castle has Norman origins: the early motte was recorded as being built by Hamelin de Balun the first Norman conqueror of the Abergavenny area in 1090 AD and the first holder of the title Baron Abergavenny.
The castle has Norman origins: the early motte was recorded as being built by Hamelin de Balun at the order of William the Conqueror in 1075. Hamelin is therefore thought of as the first holder of the title Baron Abergavenny.