When people think of a castle, they think of high peaked mountains and rural locations; however, in the heart of the Welsh capital lies the spectacular Cardiff Castle. With a 2,000 year history, Cardiff Castle has provided shelter to a host of people throughout history, including Roman soldiers, noble knights, the Bute family, and people seeking shelter from the destruction of World War II.
flickr/Michael Mazengarb
Today, the castle and its grounds are protected as a heritage site. Thousands of tourists visit each year, all eager to discover the century-old secrets contained within its walls. It is said that without the castle, Cardiff would never have become the city it is today.
History of Cardiff Castle
It is believed that the castle was established around the year 50 AD, providing an excellent stronghold location close to the sea. Archaeological digs within the confines of the remaining Roman wall suggest that there were originally four forts built on the site. When the Normans invaded Britain, they took over the fort and used the site to build a keep. They erected a huge stone wall to separate the inner and outer wards, continually adding new abodes and fortifications during their occupation.
When the Normans left, the castle became property of the crown and was occupied by a variety of noble families until 1766 when the Bute family gained ownership through marriage. The Bute familyhad a significant impact on the city of Cardiff, and after amassing a fortune through coal export,were considered the richest family in the world by the 1860s.
In the late 19th Century they employed a world famous architect by the name of William Burges to transform their family home. He created extravagant and marvelous murals, interiors, themes, and carvings which characterize the castle today. In the 1940’s, the Bute family decided to present the castle and its grounds to the city of Cardiff, allowing it to become a treasured heritage site.
Main Features of Cardiff Castle
Clock Tower
Geograph/Linda Bailey
The 46-meter high clock tower was built in the late 1860’s with its entrance watched over by a carved figure of the devil. The entrance leads to the Winter Smoking Room and comprises of three other rooms; the Summer Smoking Room, the Bachelor’s Bedroom, and the Servant’s Room. The rooms are all lavishly decorated with precious stones, figurines, carvings, and cartoons.
Octagon Tower
Wikimedia/Million Moments
The Octagon Tower was built in the 15th century in a predominantly Scottish theme. On the floor near the staircase, you’ll find the lion of the Arms of Scotland. Paintings depicting scenes from the legendary Aesop’s Fables are found in inlets along the staircase, while scenes from the “Canterbury Tales” are depicted on stained glass windows in the Chaucer Room.
Animal Wall
Geograph/Keith Edkins
The Animal Wall is itself a Grade I listed structure and can be found within the castle quarter separating the castle from Bute Gardens. The wall contains intriguing sculptures of 15 animals including hyenas, wolves, apes, seals, bears, lioness, and lynx, among others. The oldest sculptures on the wall date back to the late 19th century.
- Cardiff Castle is listed as one of the best places to visit in Wales
Map of Cardiff Castle
Address: Castle St, Cardiff CF10 3RB
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