Cardiff Castle: An Extraordinary Ancient Castle

By Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Cardiff Castle from Bute Park
Q Copyright D Johnston

Cardiff Castle is an internationally acclaimed heritage site in Wales. With over 2000 years of history, this castle was once a Roman fort, a Norman monopoly and a Victorian Gothic architecture mansion.



During 55-400 AD, the Romans built a fort in the area which eventually paved the way for the creation of the heritage site. Later the Normans constructed a castle and replaced their wooden keep with a stone version. It was during 1200 and 1350 AD that the Black Tower was erected. It was connected to the keep with an enormous defensive wall. The Earl of Warwick Richard Beauchamp constructed Octagon Tower and Hall Block. During the early part of the 19th century the castle was transformed to a Gothic revival style palace.

Cardiff Castle from Castle Street
Q Copyright David Dixon

However, the serious phase of transformation of the castle commenced in 1868. It was 3rd Marquess of Bute who ordered William Burges to take on the gigantic task of converting the castle in to a fantasy of a medieval palace. Burge’s skill of art and architecture can be seen in the many rooms even today. Lord Bute's Bedroom, Arab Room, Summer Smoking Room and the Roof Garden indicate the unrivalled levels of skill.
The Bute family later sold the castle to the city of Cardiff. Today it houses the regimental museum and is a significant tourist attraction.

Located in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, this castle is the largest conservation project in the region. The current conservation project is valued at £8 million. The Heritage Lottery Fund has supported this project by adding a £5.7 million grant. CADW and Visit Wales have also extended their financial support to this daunting conservation project which includes diverse facets such as the strengthening of Roman masonry and conserving the fine art collection which are hanged on the walls.

Travellers both local and international visit Cardiff Castle in order to explore its rich heritage and exquisite Victorian style work of art. Travellers who plan to visit this extraordinary castle can stay at a nearby Cardiff hotel which is renowned for offering home like comforts along with a host of modern amenities.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/cardiff-castle-an-extraordinary-ancient-castle--792575.html

About the Author
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

The photographs in this post are licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence