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7. An Introduction to the Keep
Cardiff is an impressive example of a Norman ‘motte and bailey’ castle.
In fact, it’s one of the largest in Wales. The steep-sided grassy ‘motte’ – or mound – is over 12 metres high. And it’s surrounded by a moat some 6 metres deep. The stone building on top is known as the Keep.
If you look at the image below, you can see the Keep used to be much larger. It had buildings at the front that straddled the moat, protecting the main entry. These ‘forebuildings’ were pulled down in the 18th century; but you can still see the foundations on either side of the steps.
The Keep was designed to keep enemies out. Even today, it’s not the easiest place to get into. It’s probably worth knowing, before you head off, that there are over 100 stairs to climb to reach the viewing platform at the top. And some of them are quite steep.
The Keep with its now lost forebuildings, circa 1776.
