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A 2,000 Year Old Story on One Site
Cardiff Castle tells a story unlike almost any other in Britain. For nearly 2,000 years, the same site has been continuously adapted, rebuilt and reimagined — each generation leaving its mark.
From Roman soldiers to Victorian visionaries, the castle’s long history is still visible today, making it one of the most historically layered sites in Wales.
Roman Origins
The first Roman fort at Cardiff was probably established at the end of the 50s AD, on a strategic site that afforded easy access to the sea. The original intention was presumably to help subdue the local tribe’s people, who were known as the Silures. Archaeological excavations have indicated that a series of four forts, each a different size, occupied the present site at different times. The final fort was built in stone and impressive remains of these Roman walls can still be seen today. After the fall of the Roman Empire the fort may well have been abandoned, although the settlement outside remained and likely took its name from Caer-Taff, meaning fort on the Taff.
The Normans and Medieval Cardiff
After the Norman Conquest, a stone castle was built within the old Roman walls. The medieval keep and curtain walls created a powerful stronghold, symbolising control over the surrounding area. Many of these features still define the castle today.
Victorian Transformation
In the 19th century, Cardiff Castle underwent its most dramatic change. The Bute family transformed the medieval fortress into a richly decorated Gothic revival residence, blending history, imagination and craftsmanship on an extraordinary scale.
Horror of World War Two
During the war years, from 1939 – 1945, Cardiff Castle played what will probably be the last defensive role in its long history. With the threat of aerial bombardment by the Nazi’s Luftwaffe hanging over the city, air raid shelters were created within tunnels in the Castle’s walls. When the sirens sounded, almost 2000 residents could take shelter here, protected by the layers of masonry and earth banks above.
A Castle for the Modern City
Today, Cardiff Castle stands as both a historic monument and a public space, allowing visitors to experience nearly two millennia of history within a single visit.
Visiting Cardiff Castle
Visitors come to Cardiff Castle for many reasons: history, architecture, city views, family-friendly exploration or simply a peaceful green space in the heart of the city. Whether you’re visiting Cardiff for the first time or rediscovering the city, Cardiff Castle offers a unique chance to step out of the present and into the past - without ever leaving the city centre.
