Cardiff castle is a centuries-old heritage site located in the heart of Cardiff, Wales.

It’s long and rich history goes back as far as the Roman period. It bears witness to the conflicts and political rivalries that existed throughout the middle ages.
Roman Occupation: 1st -4th Centuries AD.

There is evidence that the Romans erected a fort on the site as early as AD 55. Located near the Rover Taff, the site was of strategic importance to the Romans who were still battling hostile locals. The Romans remained there until 500 AD.

Norman Occupation: 11th Century

There was a six hundred year gap between the departure of the Romans and the arrival of the Normans. Also appreciating the strategic value of the site, the Normans erected a new fort on the ruins of the old Roman structure. It was during this period that Cardiff Castle was first built. Historians attribute two possible dates for the initial construction of the site: one is in 1081 by William the Conqueror and the other is in 1091 by Robert Fitzhamon. Cardiff Castle was of such strategic value that many of the knights of that period were granted lands on the condition that they would protect Cardiff Castle.

The Middle Ages

Upon Fitzhamon’s death the castle was inherited by Robert of Gloucester. Possibly under his reign, the castle was strengthened to fend of invaders during the Welsh uprising. The caste was later inherited by one of Robert’s granddaughters, Isabel. This was done as part of a political move to benefit Prince John who would inherit the castle upon marrying her. After much family turmoil the castle was passed onto Gilbert de Claire who passed it onto his son Richard de Claire. They continued to build the castle into its current form and it became the centre of power for that region. The castle was the centre of intense war and rivalry well into the 18th century, being used as a prison and military base.

The Modern Period: Twentieth and Twenty First Centuries

During the modern era the population in Cardiff was growing rapidly. Between 1800 and 1900 the population grew from 1870 to 250 000. Work on the castle continued and there was further excavation. The castle’s underground structure was remade into a bomb shelter during WWII which had a capacity to hold over 1800 people.
Cardiff Castle has become a major tourist site. It also served as the home of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama for many years as well as a wide number of cultural and social events. It also holds museums and an interpretation centre.

Some of the grandest structures of the castle include the banquet-hall and the library. The designs are elaborate and one historian said it was “the most magnificent that the gothic revival ever achieved.”

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiff_Castle
http://www.cardiffcastle.com/the-tudors/