The defences of the original Norman castle would have been of earth and timber. In 1201, Skenfrith Castle was granted to Hubert de Burgh, a Marcher lord who rose to become king’s justiciar. He rebuilt Skenfrith in stone between 1228 and 1232. The castle consisted of a great hall, private quarters and kitchen. A high curtain wall enclosed the castle and it was surrounded by a wide moat. A circular keep stood in the centre area and a tower at each corner.