Cardiff Castle is a medieval castle and Victorian Gothic revival mansion located in the city centre of Cardiff, Wales. The original motte and bailey castle was built in the late 11th century by Norman invaders on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort. The castle was commissioned either by William the Conqueror or by Robert Fitzhamon, and formed the heart of the medieval town of Cardiff and the Marcher Lord territory of Glamorgan. In the 12th century the castle began to be rebuilt in stone, probably by Robert of Gloucester, with a shell keep and substantial defensive walls being erected. Further work was conducted by the 6th Earl of Gloucester in the second half of the 13th century. Cardiff Castle was repeatedly involved in the conflicts between the Anglo-Normans and the Welsh, being attacked several times in the 12th century, and stormed in 1404 during the revolt of Owain Glyndŵr.
Aerial view of Cardiff Castle
Interior of the keep
The South Gate, showing the restored 15th century Black Tower (l) and the barbican tower (r)
The 15th-century main lodgings and West Gate, shown in a late 18th-century watercolour by Paul Sandby
Cardiff city centre is the city centre and central business district of Cardiff, Wales. The area is tightly bound by the River Taff to the west, the Civic Centre to the north and railway lines and two railway stations – Central and Queen Street – to the south and east respectively. Cardiff became a city in 1905.
The Hayes, Cardiff with Cardiff Central Library (right)
Stadium House (left) and South Gate House (right), in the west of the city centre
St John the Baptist Church, Cardiff's only medieval parish church in the city centre.
Duke Street Arcade