Castell Coch Wales

Castell Coch Cardiff

Castell Coch is a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle located in Tongwynlais, a village just outside of Cardiff, Wales. The castle is a Grade I listed building. It was built on the site of a 13th-century castle by the 3rd Marquess of Bute, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, in the late 1800s as a rural retreat for himself and his family. The castle was designed by William Burges, who was also responsible for the design of Cardiff Castle.

Castell Coch overlooks the river Taff gorge and guards the gateway into the Rhondda Valleys and the city of Cardiff. It is a stunning castle and is recognised as one of the finest examples of 19th century architectural restoration in Europe. Visibly, it is in part a solid medieval masonry structure but also and in particularly inside the castle, it is high gothic masterpiece. We believe that it is well worth a visit if you ar ein the Cardiff area of Wales.

FelinFach Online Shop - Home Page All about Wales Welsh National Anthem Beautiful Welsh Songs Celebration Days in Wales Useful Welsh Words Unesco World Heritage Site - Castle and Walls of north Wales

Castell Coch and William Burges

Normans

There have been some sorts of defensive structure on the site of Castell Coch from the eleventh century onwards following the Norman conquest of Cardiff. There were various skirmishes between local Welsh chiefs, the Normans and others but it is widely recorded that Castell Coch became a ruin in 1530.

Castell Coch Ruins 1530 to 1870's

Castell Coch remained a ruin until the 1870's. In 1865, William Burges (1827 - 1881) met the John Crichton-Stuart, the third Marquis of Bute. Burges was an English architect and designer. Burges's most notable works include Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch both of which were built for the Marquis of Bute.

The Marquis was a fabulously wealthy man. He subsequently engaged Burges to recreate a fabulous vision of the Middle Ages on the foundations of the medieval castle. Burges started work in 1875 and although he died in 1881 his work was carried on by his team of craftsmen and assistants. The result is a high gothic masterpiece rich in colourful decoration, furniture and fittings that parallels Burges' earlier work with the marquess at Cardiff Castle.

Castell Coch Today

It is now a Welsh Government monument under the guardianship of "Cadw" and it is open to the public.

Castell Coch Wales Facts

• The castle is built on a hilltop that is 1,000 feet above sea level.
• The castle has 13 towers, each of which is named after a different bird.
• The castle's Great Hall is decorated with murals depicting scenes from Welsh mythology.
• The castle's gardens are home to a variety of plants, including rhododendrons, azaleas, and Japanese maples.
• The castle is a popular filming location and has been used in films such as "The Black Adder" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring," and in the TV series "Merlin".

Castell Coch Wales Map (sat nav postcode CF15 7JS)

To find the Castell Coch, it is located near to junction 32 of the M4.

About FelinFach

     

Located in Pembrokeshire Wales, our ethos is defined in the three words...

NATURAL TRADITIONAL HANDMADE.

• Hand woven iconic Welsh blankets and Welsh tapestry blankets.
• Hand dyed yarn, dyed with natural dyes only - no exceptions!
• Handmade candles, candle accessories, Candle Making Workshops and soapery.
• Natural Dyeing Craft courses.
• Yarn shop, yarn bowls, project bags, tools and accessories for knitters and crafters.
• Welsh Gifts, souvenirs, made in Wales, handmade in Wales.

We are a proud supporter of Americymru, the Campaign for Wool, Global Welsh and Red Dragon America.

Last updated 22nd April 2024