Cardiff Castle

During my visit to Cardiff, I also got the chance to visit a place which its history spans over 2000 years, where Roman soldiers have slept and noble knights have held court. The weathly Bute family, which the University's School of Architecture's building is named after, also resided here.

‘Eccentric genius’ architect William Burges created beautifully detailed rooms, rich with murals, stained glass, gilding and superb craftsmanship.

Main Entrance to the Castle (West)

Gargoyles situated on West Wall

This is a restoration, but the original Roman stonework is at the base of the towers, both of which contain guard chambers and lookout positions above. The remains of this gate were re-discovered in 1899 when Lord Bute ordered its rebuilding.

Originally made from timber, this present Keep, built in the 1130s, is set upon a motte (artificial hill) and was built by the Norman Invaders about 1081. It is considered a shell as that's what it provides for smaller buildings and rooms within.

Central Courtyard inside the Keep

Lookout points within towers. Perhaps wide enough for arrows to fly perhaps?

View from Keep across Castle landscape and Apartments

Dining Hall interiors

The woodwork throughout the castle, such as seen above, was all made by Lord Bute's own craftsmen.

The Arab room has an amazing interior and was one of the last designed in 1881, the year the architect William Burges died.

It was used as a sitting room and a guest bedroom.

Walls were Italian and the timber ceiling is of the "muquarnas" style, covered in gold leaf.

The stained glass windows are inspired by Egyptian examples and in front of each is a crystal ball. They were placed so that sunlight would hit them and refract light into the ceiling.