Cardiff Castle is a medieval castle and Victorian Gothic revival mansion located in the city centre of Cardiff. The original motte and bailey castle was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort. The castle was commissioned either by William the Conqueror or by Robert Fitzhamon, and formed the heart of the medieval town of Cardiff and the Marcher Lord territory of Glamorgan. In the 12th century the castle began to be rebuilt in stone, probably by Robert of Gloucester, with a shell keep and substantial defensive walls being erected. Further work was conducted by the 6th Earl of Gloucester in the second half of the 13th century. Cardiff Castle was repeatedly involved in the conflicts between the Anglo-Normans and the Welsh, being attacked several times in the 12th century, and stormed in 1404 during the revolt of Owain Glyndŵr.

After being held by the de Clare and Despenser families for several centuries, the castle was acquired by The 13th Earl of Warwick and Comte de Aumale in 1423. Lord Warwick conducted extensive work on the castle, founding the main range on the west side of the castle, dominated by a tall octagonal tower. Following the Wars of the Roses, the status of the castle as a Marcher territory was revoked and its military significance began to decline. The Herbert family took over the property in 1550, remodelling parts of the main range and carrying out construction work in the outer bailey, then occupied by Cardiff's Shire Hall and other buildings. During the English Civil War Cardiff Castle was initially taken by a Parliamentary force, but was regained by Royalist supporters in 1645. When fighting broke out again in 1648, a Royalist army attacked Cardiff in a bid to regain the castle, leading to the Battle of St Fagans just outside the city. Cardiff Castle escaped potential destruction by Parliament after the war and was instead garrisoned, probably to protect against a possible Scottish invasion.

In the mid-18th century, Cardiff Castle passed into the hands of the Stuart dynasty, Marquesses of Bute. John, 1st Marquess of Bute, employed Capability Brown and Henry Holland to renovate the main range, turning it into a Georgian mansion, and to landscape the castle grounds, demolishing many of the older medieval buildings and walls. During the first half of the 19th century the family became extremely wealthy as a result of the growth of the coal industry in Glamorgan. However, it was the 3rd Marquess of Bute who truly transformed the castle, using his vast wealth to back an extensive programme of renovations under William Burges. Burges remodelled the castle in a Gothic revival style, lavishing money and attention on the main range. The resulting interior designs are considered to be amongst 'the most magnificent that the gothic revival ever achieved'. The grounds were re-landscaped and, following the discovery of the old Roman remains, reconstructed walls and a gatehouse in a Roman style were incorporated into the castle design. Extensive landscaped parks were built around the outside of the castle.

In the early 20th century, the 4th Marquess of Bute inherited the castle and construction work continued into the 1920s. The Bute lands and commercial interests around Cardiff were sold off or nationalised until, by the time of the Second World War, little was left except the castle. During the war, extensive air raid shelters were built in the castle walls; they could hold up to 1,800 people. When the Marquess died in 1947, the castle was given to the City of Cardiff. Today the castle is run as a tourist attraction, with the grounds housing the 'Firing Line' regimental museum and interpretation centre. The castle has also served as a venue for events, including musical performances and festivals.

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Founded: 11th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

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4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Dan Dare (2 years ago)
This castle actually looks like the castles you see in films and on TV! Sometimes one will visit a castle and say to one's self "well, this is a castle", but Cardiff Castle has all the trimmings! Plus a trebuchet, and 2x 25lb artillery guns. You can visit the tea room for a lovely cup of tea or coffee and some cake. Please, if you're in Cardiff, do take time to visit the castle. It's picture perfect.
Riley Chambers (2 years ago)
I visited Cardiff Castle when I came from Texas to Cardiff on 9-11-17. Prior to this trip, I had never been to the UK. I was in Wales for about a week. Cardiff was the closest city to where I was staying. When looking for things to do, there was plenty of guided tours to choose from. But I wanted to experience the beautiful city just as everyone else does, on foot. So I hopped on a bus from Barry to Cardiff. I had seen a brochure for the Castle at the hotel I was staying at. And I quickly decided to add it to my mental to do list. As I was walking down St. Mary St. I had seen and visited many things. Then at the end of the street, I see this beautiful structure. Yes, it was Cardiff Castle. I approached the entrance and purchased my ticket. I then turn and look across the Castle green at the brilliant looking Norma Keep. Then two my left, the actual Castle. There was so much to see. It was a bit of a visual overload. So I visited the gift shop to see what keepsakes I could purchase as well to see if there is a castle guide. To give me a starting point. I did find that there was guided tours that took you around the Castle and they most likely gave you information that you would not be able to find out on your own. But I decided to venture out on my own. I made myself a starting point and off I went. I had seen so much. It seemed like I had visited every square inch I was able to visit that day. But I’m sure there was more that I wasn’t able to see because I wasn’t part of a tour. Regardless, it is such a beautiful place and full of so much history. I highly recommend a visit when it re-opens and we are back to somewhere close to normalcy. I loved it so much that I could go back again and again. Well worth every penny spent.
Becca Rosak (3 years ago)
Grounds were great and really well distanced
Meghan Beard (3 years ago)
A great idea to open up the castle for people to use for take out food. We picked up a subway and spent a lovely hour on the grass. Big circles printed on the ground to help with social distancing. We really lived this.
Andrea Noreña Arroyave (3 years ago)
The castle is incredible, wonderful landmark to visit. Also, they have so many open areas to stay and relax. To the contrary, sadly, they have two wild native big Mexican birds tied, just to “show” them to visitors and let people take pictures with them. The birds have nothing to do with the history of the castle. The guides placed large emphasis on the birds rather than the landmark. Toilets and COVID-19 measures well in place.
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