45 Caerphilly Castle Facts: The Welsh Fortress You Should Know About

The Caerphilly Castle in Wales is the second largest castle in the whole of Britain!

This beautiful stone castle was built in three years! Construction started in the year 1268 and the majority of it was done by 1271!

The castle now consists of the entire structure that was initially built, even though there are certain cracks caused due to landslides. One of the towers leans a little but apart from that, the castle is in great shape. The main castle is made on the Western island, which is to be reached through drawbridges.

The castle is built in a concentric fashion, which essentially means that there are castles within castles. When at Caerphilly, don't forget to admire the view from the East Gatehouse! Keep reading to know more facts!

Facts About Caerphilly Castle

The Caerphilly Castle in Wales is one of the most interesting places to visit when in the area since it has both the charm that is characteristic of medieval castles as well as a rich history of being virtually undefeated.

The medieval architecture of the castle, as well as the fact that it was built in a record amount of time, adds to the popularity of Caerphilly.

• The Caerphilly Castle is a concentric one, which is a feature that would then be used in Edwardian castles in North Wales. The use of such architectural methods was a new concept in Welsh castles, and hence, was highly appreciated.
• The castle Caerphilly is also known for its impressive gatehouses as well as water defenses which make it very tough to penetrate.
• It is rather interesting to note that this castle was built by a man who was consumed by the idea of losing his fortunes to the Welsh prince.
• Built in the 13th century, the Caerphilly Castle is a beautiful example of medieval architecture!
• The Caerphilly Castle is located in a small town called Caerphilly in southeastern Wales.
• The town has little else to offer in terms of tourist attractions, and hence, people mostly make day trips to the Caerphilly Castle from Cardiff.
• This castle is located just around 30 minutes of a drive away from Cardiff, and hence, makes for a great location if you want to have a picnic.
• Its location is also near Cardiff Castle, in case you have been wanting to dedicate an entire day to exploring the castles and monuments of the region.
• The castle is surrounded by vast lakes, which makes it extremely tough for it to be penetrated.
• The only damage that was caused to the castle due to attacks was to the southeast tower.
• The tower was affected during the English Civil War.
• The damage was such that the southeast tower now leans at a 10 degree and is compared to the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' rather ambitiously.
• This concentric castle was inspired by one of the battles that the maker fought in.
• Gilbert de Clare, or 'Red' Gilbert, wanted to make sure that he built a place that would deter the Welsh prince from his intentions of seizing the fortunes of the de Clare family.
• The location of the Caerphilly Castle is such that Gibert de Clare chose it and also installed virtually impregnable defenses which would ultimately hold out against the Welsch Prince's efforts.
• The de Clare family was one of the richest in Britain and in spite of the threats that the Welsh rebellion posed, the then king was largely unscathed.
• This left Red Gilbert in charge of saving his own family fortunes.
• The castle was therefore completed within a very small period of time. With the kind of area that the castle takes up, it would be a task and a half for even modern workers to be able to complete a stone castle of such magnitude within three years.
• The fact that the castle was completed within the tiny span of three years seems even more fantastic when we consider the fact that this was done at a time when the Welsh Prince, Llywelyn ap Gryffudd, had already launched two attacks on the foundations of the castle!

Caerphilly Castle's History

Caerphilly Castle has seen some of the most important events in the early history of the English rule. The castle was also caught amongst the ruckus of the English Civil War and became a safe house for King Edward II along with his supporter, Despenser, at the time of his abdication.

• The castle Caerphilly was conceptualized out of necessity as Gilbert de Clare was in dire need of building a castle that would hold out.
• The need to build a castle that would deter the ambitions of the Welsh Prince as he tried to capture de Clare and his immense fortunes.
• The castle foundations were laid and the plan was made only because he wanted to maintain a stronghold over his main castle in Glamorgan.
• Gilbert de Clare was the holder of many titles and was well aware of the ways in which his base in South Wales could be protected against attacks.
• The idea of building a concentric castle stemmed from the siege of the Kenilworth Castle.
• Once the Caerphilly Castle was finished, it stood as the second-largest castle in Britain, only to be bested by the Windsor Castle itself! Windsor Castle is the largest castle in Europe.
• The castle remained with the de Clare family until one of Gilbert de Clare's daughters decided to marry a man named Hugh Despenser.
• Despenser was known as one of the cruelest people, and he also sided with King Edward II.
• Eventually, Despenser would be the one to make some renovations to the Great Hall of the castle.
• He also aided King Edward II in an attempt to flee, which is when the two lived at Caerphilly together.
• Hugh Despenser is also known to have a Welsh leader named Llewelyn Bren killed for attacking the castle in the year 1316.
• It is also the biggest castle in the whole of Wales! Does this not convince you to visit the beautiful castle?

Caerphilly Castle's Significance

The Caerphilly was the spark that eventually caused Edward I to completely quash the possibilities of a rebellion for Welsh Independence. This castle was initially built with the intention that it would provide protection for the rich people of Glamorgan, South Wales, but the symbol that it stood for is what makes the castle special.

• The Castle's history is very scanty if not for the very few attacks that it faced and the still smaller list of people who have had the fortune of calling it home.
• The castle's significance can extensively be found in the fact that it was a first of its type in terms of architecture.
• It was also an architectural marvel in the way that it was completed almost in a seemingly impossible time frame when keeping the grandeur and the precision of the structures in mind.
• The castle played a significant role in triggering the King towards quashing the long-standing problems with the Welsh.
• The Caerphilly Castle later also became a site wherein King Edward II could hide with his supporter, Hugh Despener.
• After all these events, however, the castles fell to disrepair and it wasn't until very recently that the castle grounds were brought back to life!
• The castle also shows some signs of the after-effects of the English Civil War, which is also important to note.
• Furthermore, if you love a nice architectural piece, you will be more than thrilled to see all the different kinds of towers and fortified gatehouses that the castle has.
• The castle is also surrounded by two lakes that Gilbert de Clare ordered, which not only gave it strength against attacks, but also a beautiful backdrop for any residents!
• The castle was besieged by William la Zouche after Edward II fled.
• The castle was the property of the Earls of Warwick for the longest time until it was not used for a long time!

Caerphilly Castle's Facts For Tourist

Caerphilly is one of Britain's many splendid castles and there is no reason good enough to not pay it a visit!

• The Caerphilly Castle is located in Wales and is a short drive away from Cardiff.
• There is not much else to do in the town of Caerphilly, but you should definitely try to go inside the castle and inhale in its grandeur.
• The castle spans over an area of 30 acres (12.1 ha).