Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle, begun by Gilbert de Clare in 1268 in South Wales, is the second largest castle in Britain by area at around 30 acres. Its most significant contribution to military architecture was introducing concentric defences and elaborate water obstacles — a system of artificial lakes and dams — to Britain, predating Edward I's Welsh castle-building programme. Edward II and Hugh le Despenser fled here in 1326; the garrison held out under siege until March 1327.
The fourth Marquess of Bute restored much of the fabric between 1928 and 1939, and the lakes were re-flooded in the 1950s–60s. Managed by Cadw, the castle is open to the public and features a famously leaning southeast tower.
Visitor information
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Tier
- B (Great castles)
- Coordinates
- 51.5761, -3.2203
- Official site
- http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/caerphilly-castle
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Caerphilly Castle?
- Caerphilly Castle is in United Kingdom, United Kingdom (approximately 51.5761, -3.2203).
- Can you visit Caerphilly Castle?
- Yes — Caerphilly Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/daysout/caerphilly-castle for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Caerphilly Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Caerphilly Castle is rated B tier on the Castle Atlas — Great castles.
- What can you see at Caerphilly Castle?
- Caerphilly Castle, begun by Gilbert de Clare in 1268 in South Wales, is the second largest castle in Britain by area at around 30 acres. Its most significant contribution to military architecture was introducing concentric defences and elaborate water obstacles — a system of artificial lakes and dams — to Britain, predating Edward I's Welsh castle-building programme. Edward II and Hugh le Despenser fled here in 1326; the garrison held out under siege until March 1327.
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