Caerphilly Castle, Caerphily (Cardiff)

One of the largest medieval fortresses in Britain, begun in 1268 .

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Gift shop Information provided Audio guide Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Introduction

 One of the largest medieval fortresses in Britain, begun in 1268 by the Anglo-Norman marcher lord, Gilbert de Clare. Concentrically planned, the rings of stone and water defences are formidable even today. Famous for its 'leaning tower'. Impressive great hall, now used for various functions.

History to the present day

One of the great medieval castles of western Europe, several factors give Caerphilly Castle this pre-eminence. The primary factor is its immense size, which makes it the largest in Britain after Windsor. Other factors are its large-scale use of water for defence that it is the first truly concentric castle in Britain. At the time of its construction in the late 13th century, it stood as a revolutionary masterpiece of military planning

Gilbert de Clare, lord of Glamorgan who was one of Henry III's most powerful barons, oversaw the erection of this castle. It was built with the aim of securing the area and preventing lowland south Wales from falling into the hands of the Welsh leader Llywelyn the Last, who already controlled most of mid and north Wales.

De Clare had seized the upland district of Senghenydd, in which Caerphilly lies, from the Welsh in 1266 to sit as a buffer against Llywelyn's southward ambitions. Llywelyn recognised the threat that De Clare's project represented and tried fervently to prevent the castle's construction. It was first begun on 11 April 1268 only to be attacked by Llywelyn in 1270. Construction recommenced in 1271 and this time it was completed without hindrance and Llywelyn retreated northwards.

The great hall was remodelled and a few other domestic works were ordered in 1322-6 for Hugh le Despenser. However no further alterations were carried out, making it a very pure example of late 13th-century military architecture. Caerphilly is unusual as it was a late castle but built on a virgin site. This allowed a unity of architectural conception which is exceedingly rare in medieval castles. 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Caerphilly Castle, Cardiff, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

 

01.11.09 - 31.03.10: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

01.04.10 - 30.06.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

01.07.10 - 31.08.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 18.00

01.09.10 - 31.10.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

01.11.10 - 28.02.11: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

01.03.11 - 31.03.11: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00
 

Admission prices:

 

Adult - £3.60

Concession - £3.20

Family - £10.40

Entry is free for Welsh residents aged 60 and over or 16 and under who have a valid pass.

 

 

All photographs courtesy of CADW photographic library.