House Caswell of Bitterbridge is a noble house from the
Reach. Their seat is Bitterbridge, where the Roseroad meets the river Mander.
Their blazon is a yellow centaur with bow on white. The Caswells carry the
title Defender of the Fords.
History
Orbert Caswell served as Lord Commander of the Night's
Watch.
During the Battle Beneath the Gods Eye in 43 AC, Lord
Caswell joined Lords Merryweather and Peake in marching from the Reach to add
their levies to King Maegor I Targaryen's host against Prince Aegon the
Uncrowned. While Lords Merryweather and Caswell advanced against Aegon's host
from the south, Maegor quickly killed his young nephew and the battle turned
into a rout.
During the Dance of the Dragons, Tom Flowers, the Bastard of
Bitterbridge, was one of the commanders of the blacks during the Battle on the
Honeywine. He was burned alive by the dragon Tessarion when Prince Daeron the
Daring joined the battle.[6] Daeron began the sack of Bitterbridge after the
death of Prince Maelor Targaryen. Lady Caswell hanged herself from her castle's
gatehouse.
House Caswell fought for the Targaryens during the First
Blackfyre Rebellion. Ser Kyle claimed to have saved the life of Lord Armond
Caswell, Lord of Bitterbridge, during the rebellion. Armond's son, Lord Joffrey
Caswell, faced Kyle in the Whitewalls tourney, unhorsing the knight in the
first tilt.
Ser Cleyton Caswell was one of the suitors for Lady Rohanne
Webber's hand.
Old Lord Caswell's son, Ser Lorent, took a gift longsword
made by Bitterbridge's armorer for his own son, Rolly. Lorent was wounded by
Rolly in anger, after which Rolly fled in exile for the Golden Company.
Recent Events
A Clash of Kings
Lord Lorent Caswell is a wispy, young man. He follows his
liege, Lord Mace Tyrell, in declaring for King Renly Baratheon on the outset of
the War of the Five Kings. Renly's host encamps beneath the walls of
Bitterbridge, which is where Lady Catelyn Tully meets him, finding his army
engaging in tourney and feast. After Renly's death at Storm's End and the fall
of the castle to Stannis, Lord Caswell shuts himself up within Bitterbridge.
A Feast for Crows
While searching for Sansa Stark, Brienne of Tarth encounters
two guards at the gates of Maidenpool wearing the livery of House Caswell. This
indicates House Caswell followed their liegelords of House Tyrell in declaring
for King Joffrey.
House Caswell at the end of the third century
The known Caswells during the timespan of the events
described in A Song of Ice and Fire are:
Lord Lorent Caswell, Lord of Bitterbridge and Defender of
the Fords.
Two unnamed daughters.
Four unnamed sisters.
Historical members
Lord Commander Orbert Caswell, known as the Black Centaur,
who led the Night's Watch for nine years.
Tom Flowers, bastard of Bitterbridge, who fought in the
Dance of the Dragons.
Lord Armond Caswell, Lord of Bitterbridge during the
Blackfyre Rebellion.
Lord Joffrey Caswell, his son, Lord of Bitterbridge during
the reign of Aerys I Targaryen.
Ser Cleyton Caswell, a knight.
Lord Caswell, the father of Lord Lorent Caswell.
Coat of arms: Argent, a centaur with bow or
Seat: Bitterbridge
Lord: Lorent Caswell
Region: The Reach
Title: Lord of Bitterbridge, Defender of the Fords
Overlord: House Tyrell
