Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle is a medieval fortress with a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. Located in the heart of Wales’ capital city, the castle has been an important site for centuries.

The Origins of Cardiff Castle

The site where the castle now stands has been an important strategic location and settlement for over 2,000 years. The history of the castle stretches back to the Roman conquest of Britain in the 1st century AD.

The Romans

In the year 75 AD, a Roman fort was established on the site of what is now Cardiff Castle. The fort was built as part of the Roman campaigns against the native Celtic tribes of Wales, such as the Silures. The fort would have housed an auxiliary unit of Roman troops to help secure the surrounding area.

Given its proximity to the sea and position on the River Taff, the fort was well situated to receive supplies and reinforcements by boat. It was connected by road to other Roman bases. The fort served as an important military foothold as the Romans pushed their way westwards through Wales.

When the Roman Empire began to weaken in the 4th century AD, the legions were withdrawn from Wales and the Cardiff fort was abandoned. Over the next few centuries, the site lay vacant.

The Normans

It was not until 1091 that Cardiff saw the return of military might in the form of the Normans. Led by Robert Fitzhamon, Lord of Gloucester, the Normans built the first wooden fortification on the old Roman site. This primitive Norman fortification marked the genesis of what would later become the formidable stone-walled Cardiff Castle.

The original Norman wooden fort was small in scale – probably just a basic timber fortified keep surrounded by defensive walls and a moat. However, it provided the springboard for Norman control of the surrounding area.

The years that followed saw Cardiff Castle gradually transformed into a substantial stone fortification as the Normans sought to consolidate their grip on the region. The next phase of building would produce the mighty medieval castle whose ruins still dominate the site today.

Cardiff Castle in the Middle Ages

The origins of the stone castle largely seen today were built in the early 12th century under the rule of the Norman lord Robert Fitzhamon.

Fitzhamon oversaw the construction of a new stone shell keep between 1120 and 1135 AD. The imposing square keep still stands at the heart of the castle complex today. Built from local grey pennant sandstone on the site of the old Roman fort, the keep provided a defensible stronghold.

At this time, Cardiff Castle became the caput or chief castle of the Norman Lords of Glamorgan. It was the administrative center of their newly conquered Welsh territory. Additional defensive features like a gatehouse and perimeter walls were also constructed to strengthen the castle’s military utility.

Over the next four centuries, the castle evolved under successive Lords of Glamorgan who made improvements to its defences. The Black Tower, which now houses a museum, was first erected in the late 13th century as a gateway through the castle walls.

In the 1400s, the prominent civil engineer Master Sall built new towers and reinforced the walls to withstand siege weapons. The interior keep buildings were also expanded and refurbished.

By the end of the 15th century, the castle was enclosed by two lines of defensive walls, punctuated by five circular towers. The outer walls reached over 15 meters in height and the castle could only be entered via drawbridges across a moat.

This transformation into a strong stone fortress reflected Cardiff’s importance as a Marcher Lord castle. It served as both a military garrison and administrative seat governing southeast Wales. From the 1100s to 1500s, the castle played a pivotal role in numerous regional wars and rebellions.

The interior of the castle was also embellished with more comfortable quarters befitting its high-status inhabitants. By the late medieval era, Cardiff Castle had taken on its now-recognizable shape as one of Wales’ most formidable fortifications. It continued to grow in significance as an economic hub for trade and commerce.

The Victorian Transformation of Cardiff Castle

After centuries under the control of various Marcher Lord families, Cardiff Castle entered a new phase in the 19th century under the wealthy Bute family. They transformed the site into the lavish Gothic Revival fantasy seen today.

In 1766, the title of Marquess of Bute was created for the Stuart family, who had inherited the castle by marriage decades earlier. Immense wealth flowed from the family’s holdings in the coal and iron industries during the Industrial Revolution.

It was the 3rd Marquess of Bute, John Crichton-Stuart, who truly left his mark on Cardiff Castle. Fond of the Gothic Revival movement, he utilized his vast fortune to reimagine the castle interior.

In the late 1800s, the 3rd Marquess commissioned the architect William Burges for an extensive program of reconstruction. Burges lavishly remodeled the buildings inside the castle walls in a dramatic medieval Gothic style.

Rooms like the Arab Room, the Winter Smoking Room, and the Clock Tower were transformed with elaborate wood carpentry, stained glass, murals, and extensive stone carvings. Furnishings and decorations were opulent.

Externally, the Norman keep was refaced and topped with extravagant battlements and pinnacles. The result was a romanticized castle aesthetic that evoked Medieval artistic tastes, but on a grand scale thanks to the Butes’ affluence.

At his death in 1900, the Marquess reputedly was the richest man in the world. This wealth helped fund the costly revitalization of Cardiff Castle that still delights visitors today. The interiors remain a masterpiece of Victorian era Gothic Revival architecture and design.

The Butes’ 19th century remodeling created the Cardiff Castle that is now recognized around the world as an architectural gem. Their lavish tastes and tremendous fortune have left an indelible stamp on the site.

Cardiff Castle in the Modern Era

The early 20th century marked the beginning of a new phase in the history of Cardiff Castle. After centuries controlled by noble families, it entered public ownership in the 1900s.

The 3rd Marquess of Bute passed away in 1900, leaving the castle to his son, the 4th Marquess. However, by the 1940s the rising costs of upkeep led the family to decide to gift the castle to the people of Cardiff.

In 1947, the 4th Marquess formally handed over the castle and grounds to the Cardiff Corporation city council. This transfer opened what was once an exclusive private estate to become a publicly accessible heritage tourism destination.

Extensive restoration work was undertaken to repair damage the castle had sustained during WWII air raids. Once repaired, Cardiff Castle was officially opened to paying visitors starting in the 1950s.

Today the site is managed by Cardiff Council as one of the city’s premier attractions. The castle grounds and buildings are now accessed by over 1.2 million people annually.

While parts of the interior remain closed to the public, the Norman keep and buildings like the Clock Tower can be explored on a self-guided basis. The castle walls, trenches, and towers also offer panoramic views of the city.

Surrounding the medieval buildings are expansive park-like grounds and gardens to wander. Events like open-air concerts and festivals are regularly held on the grounds. There is also a popular tea room within the castle.

Cardiff Castle continues to undergo preservation efforts as an architecturally significant site. Its varied history and lavish interiors provide a fascinating look into the city’s past for locals and tourists alike.

How to find Cardiff Castle

Map to Cardiff Castle Map and directions

Pembroke Castle address Cardiff Castle, Glamorganshire Canal Tunnel, Castle Quarter, Castle, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3FD, United Kingdom

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