Castell Coch

While resting on ancient foundations, Castell Coch (Red Castle) is relatively modern, the by-product of a vivid Victorian imagination, assisted by untold wealth. The Middle Ages fascinated the Victorians as much as the Victorians fascinate us today. High Gothic was the order of the day.

The ‘eccentric genius’ Burges was given free rein by his paymaster, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd marquess of Bute, to create a rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle. He didn’t hold back. Dazzling ceilings, over-the-top furnishings and furniture were liberally applied.

Detailed architectural drawings still survive today and following Burges's death in 1881, colleagues faithfully continued work on the interiors for another ten years. The castle was not suitable for, nor was it intended to be, a permanent residence and the family's visits were infrequent. However, the marchioness and her daughter, Lady Margaret Bute, did occupy it for a period in 1900 following the death of Lord Bute.

Burges would have approved of conservation efforts to date and like him, the conservationists were not afraid either to embrace the latest technologies. The castle has ground-breaking multi-sensory resources, allowing easy exploration of the site using touch screen technology, of particular benefit to visitors with sensory or physical disabilities.