The site has been occupied for nearly 2,000 years. The Romans built a fort there around AD 55 to help control the area. Later, they replaced it with a much stronger stone fort and parts of those Roman walls are still standing today.
After the Romans left, the Normans arrived following the conquest of England. Around the late 11th century they built a castle inside the old Roman fort. The large grassy mound in the middle and the stone keep on top are from this period.
During the Middle Ages, Cardiff Castle became an important stronghold and was involved in various conflicts between Norman lords and Welsh rulers. Over time, it evolved from a military fortress into a grand residence.
The castle’s most famous makeover happened in the 1800s when the incredibly wealthy John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute hired architect William Burges. Together they transformed it into the spectacular Gothic-style palace you see today, with lavish rooms, murals, towers and intricate decorations.
During the Second World War, tunnels beneath the castle walls were used as air-raid shelters for thousands of Cardiff residents.
In 1947, the Bute family gave the castle to the city, and today Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’s most popular attractions.
After the Romans left, the Normans arrived following the conquest of England. Around the late 11th century they built a castle inside the old Roman fort. The large grassy mound in the middle and the stone keep on top are from this period.
During the Middle Ages, Cardiff Castle became an important stronghold and was involved in various conflicts between Norman lords and Welsh rulers. Over time, it evolved from a military fortress into a grand residence.
The castle’s most famous makeover happened in the 1800s when the incredibly wealthy John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute hired architect William Burges. Together they transformed it into the spectacular Gothic-style palace you see today, with lavish rooms, murals, towers and intricate decorations.
During the Second World War, tunnels beneath the castle walls were used as air-raid shelters for thousands of Cardiff residents.
In 1947, the Bute family gave the castle to the city, and today Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’s most popular attractions.
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