The Castle: While some of the Roman masonry endured until the Norman Invasion of the 11th century
The Castle: While some of the Roman masonry endured until the Norman Invasion of the 11th century, it was quickly incorporated into a typically Norman fortress. Indeed, Cardiff's authentic castle is of Norman origins. It is an outstanding example of the classic motte and bailey fortification. Passing through the gatehouse, you are immediately seized by the vision of the motte as it surges upwards from the lush green bailey directly across from the gateway. And, its crowning glory is the remarkably intact shell keep. With the bulky motte and its surrounding water-filled ditch, the marvelous keep gives the visitor a perfect image of the true Norman castle. The first Norman castle was built on the site in about 1091, by Robert Fitzhamon, Lord of Gloucester and one of the Conqueror's favored followers, an earth and timber fortification, merely a mound and bailey. The motte, erected over a rocky hillock, was some 40 feet tall, and would have been protected by a timber palisade. During the 12th century, the castle's lord, Robert "the Consul" (the natural son of King Henry I), realized the defensive value of reinforcing his fortress with stone and ordered the construction of the shell keep. The 12-sided keep survives in fine condition, the only significant additions being its 15th century gatehouse and the stairway breaching the sloping motte. For a time, the keep was the prison of Robert, 2nd Duke of Normandy (and also FitzRoy uncle), on the command of FitzRoy father, the king. In the 1270's, when Wales was unified under the leadership of the charismatic Welshman, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (the Last), Gilbert de Clare refortified the castle in anticipation of further Welsh rebellion. The curtain wall was strengthened and construction of the Black Tower and south gateway was initiated. The much-awaited assault never occurred and de Clare's work remains in solid repair to this day.
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Location: The Castle: While some of the Roman masonry endured until the Norman Invasion of the 11th century
Photo credit: © Rik Hamilton / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
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