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Glamorgan Castles
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Barry Castle
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Bits of a gate and wall are all that remain of this 13th century fortified manor, seat of the de Barry family. The site originally boasted earthwork defenses, later augmented by the addition of stone buildings, a great hall, and a gatehouse defended by a drawbridge and portcullis.
Barry,
Glamorgan,
Wales
Attraction Type: Castle
Google map
OS Grid ST102 673
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Beaupre Castle
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A late 13th century building with Tudor additions that make it appear more manor than castle. Much of Beaupre is ruined, but the exceptional 3 story gatehouse and Tudor porch are well preserved. The cluster of buildings surround an inner courtyard. The 14th century hall boasts an impressive contemporary fireplace. Many of the older parts of the castle are closed to the public.
St Hilary,
Cowbridge,
Glamorgan,
Wales
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: off A48
Google map
OS Grid ST009 720
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Cardiff Castle
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Built by the wealthy third Marquess of Bute on medieval foundations within a Norman wall. He enlisted William Burges as his architect and built the castle with every conceivable decoration possible in its interior. The castle is located in the city centre within the site used by both the Romans and the Normans for defensive purposes. The 12-sided Norman keep still sits on top of a small hill today, providing views over Cardiff.
Cardiff Castle's extravagant rooms are themed. Astrological and Biblical themes are everywhere. The 15th century Great Hall is the oldest room in the castle and relates to the son of William the Conqueror. The Winter Smoking Room, located in the Clock Tower, is themed to time with its decor representing the seasons of the year and the days of the week. The Arab room is decorated with gold and sandalwood and parrots, one of the architect Burges' favourite animals. Understandably, the nursery decorations represent fairy tales and nursery rhymes. The bedroom with its mirrored ceiling has a religious theme. Marble fireplaces adorn many of the rooms.
Castle Street,
Cardiff,
Glamorgan,
Wales, CF10 3RB
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: signposted from M4
Email: cardiffcastle@cardiff.gov.uk
Phone: 02920 878100
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OS Grid ST181 765
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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Castell Coch
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A Victorian fantasy castle built by the Marquess of Bute and William Burges, owner and architect of Cardiff Castle. Outstanding architecture and design with rich decorations are a feast for the eye.
Tongwynlais,
Cardiff,
Glamorgan,
Wales
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: NW Cardiff off A470 at Tongwynlais
Website: Castell Coch
Phone: 02920 810101
Cadw
Google map
OS Grid ST131 826
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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Coity Castle
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Payn de Turberville erected a rudimentary ringwork castle and wooden pallisade here in the very early 12th century, possibly on the remains of an earlier Welsh fortress. His ancestor Sir Gilbert de Turberville replaced the earlier castle with a stone structure in the 1180s, including a curtain wall surrounding a stone keep. Further rebuilding in the 14th century left us with the castle we see today, with the great hall, kitchen block and round towers; and the east gate, with its portcullis and drawbridge. The castle fell into ruin after the 16th century, but what remains is an impressive reminder of the might of the Marcher Lords in Wales.
Coity,
Bridgend,
Glamorgan,
Wales
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: 2 miles NE Bridgend, off A4061
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OS Grid SS923 816
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Dinas Powys
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There are remains of earthwork fortifications at Dinas Powys dating as far back as the Iron Age. A bank and ditch were erected in the post-Roman period, and a more extensive bank was shored up with stone in the 11th century to create a defensible position for a timber and earth fortress. Still more earthworks were added in the 12th or 13th century.
Dinas Powys,
Glamorgan,
Wales
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: off A4055
Google map
OS Grid ST152 716
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