Caerphilly Castle, Wales

The Caerphilly Castle is a medieval castle located in the centre of Caerphilly in south Wales. The Caerphilly Castle which is (after the Windsor Castle) the second largest castle in Britain and one of the largest fortresses in Europe was built between 1268 and 1271 by Gilbert 'the Red' de Clare as a response to a dispute between him and the Prince Gwynedd, Llywelyn the Last.



The castle was in the second half of 13th and the early part of the 14th century under numerous attacks of Welsh forces and towards the end of 14th century it was abandoned. Its owners in the 15th century carried out some maintenance works but towards the end of 15th century the Caerphilly Castle fell into neglect. Its poor condition left the castle during the English Civil War (from 1642 to 1651) mostly untouched although the damage made by the Parliamentary forces in 1648 resulted in its leaning south-east tower damage but the castle's role during the English Civil War is still the object of debate. The Caerphilly Castle was left in ruins until the second half of the 18th century, when it was acquired by Marquees of Bute who carried out the first restoration works. The castle was held by the Marquesses of Bute until 1950 when it was handed over to the government.

For the castle's restoration and preservation the Cadw (Welsh Historic Monuments) takes care today.