Cardiff Castle

Located within easy walking distance of the city centre, the origins of Cardiff Castle date back to between 55 and 400 AD when the Romans established a fort and trading post in the area. When the Normans invaded in the 11th century, they constructed a typical motte and bailey fortification largely covering up most of the original Roman structure. Robert the Consol, the natural son of King Henry I, became Lord of the Castle in the 12th century replacing the wooden keep with a 12-sided stone one that survives intact to this day. Over the next 500 years, various medieval lords ruled the region, adding to and modifying the site with each successive reign. It was also a period of great turbulence that saw many civilian revolts and attacks on the castle itself. The Butes were the last of the great families to occupy the castle in the 19th century and employed master architect William Burges to restore the castle with mock-medieval features creating the different styles still apparent to visitors today. One of the most striking features of the castle is the bright clock face of the Clock Tower built seven stories high during 1869-1873. Wheelchair users are unable to access the Castle Apartments but can access most other parts of the castle.