Wales of a Time III - Cardiff Castle

     One of the interesting historic sites in Cardiff is Cardiff Castle.  It's actually a hodgepodge of different structures which trace the 2000 year history of the city from it's earliest beginnings.
     It is believed that around 50 A.D.  the Roman army had established a base to extend the Empire's authority into Wales.  Over several centuries the Romans built 4 forts on the site the last of which was a stone structure.  The Roman fort disappeared over time and was not discovered until 1888 when the 3rd Marquess of Bute decided to build a new tower. To his credit, Lord Bute stopped the work on his new tower when the old Roman walls were unearthed.  He reconstructed the walls on their original foundation using a redish brick to cap the Roman walls to indicate the remains(which can be seen in the photo below).

     The area continued to be used as a stronghold and was refortified after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.  By 1135 the Normans had built their own fortification on a man-made hill within the original Roman Fort.  It was called - The Keep.

     The 12 sided structure is a "shell" keep, as its outer walls provide protection for smaller buildings built inside.   It was surrounded by a moat, had its own well, and could be well stocked with provisions to defend against a siege.  This picture from inside the Keep shows the remains of a fireplace and indication that structures of at least five floors existed.

     As domestic warfare subsided, the importance of The Keep became secondary to the comfort of  the Earl of Warwick, Richard Beauchamp, who became owner of the site around 1420.  He desired a more comfortable and less fortified residence.  Successor Earls continued to expand and "modernize" Beauchamp's residence, adding towers and assorted additions creating an interesting structure which features a variety architectural styles.

     It was the 3rd Marquess that oversaw the last renovation of the "Castle" in the mid-19th century.  He turned it into what has been described as an "extraordinary and outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture".  The interior is rich in ornate historically based decorations and was incredible to walk through.

                                                           The Chaucer Reading Room

            
                                                                 The Banqueting Hall

                                                              The Library Chimneypiece

     One other interesting is the feature attached to the "Castle" is the Clock Tower.  Modeled after European clock tower of the middle ages,  this tower was created by architect William Burges in 1874.