15. The Clock Tower

At over 40 metres high, the Clock Tower was the tallest structure in Cardiff in Victorian times. It contains a series of apartments on no fewer than 7 floors.

This fantastical building was designed by the architect William Burges for the 3rd Marquess of Bute. You can see a photograph of it under construction below.

As you can see – Burges loved symbolic decoration, bright colours and lavish ornamentation.

Take a look at the sculptures on either side of the clock faces. In total, there are 7 of these larger than life-sized figures – all wearing vividly-coloured medieval costumes. They were carved by a London sculptor, Thomas Nicholls.

The Tower’s decoration all relates to the theme of ‘Time’. These figures represent the planets as Roman gods, and they stand on pedestals carved with signs of the zodiac.

These glowing sculptures are surrounded by richly painted and gilded heraldic shields. Even the windows – painted with gold leaf – look as if they’re made of solid gold.

Over the years, the original colours of this decoration had gradually been lost, and the details obscured by over-painting. Now – after a thorough restoration – we can once again appreciate the full impact of Burges’ original colour scheme.

Tours of the Clock Tower are available at selected times, as an add-on to your ticket. Please enquire at the ticket office for further information.