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Castle Goch
Overlooking the site of the original Castle Goch (the Red Castle) in a gorge of the Taff Valley, the round towers and needlepoint turrets peeking out from a wooded slope make this the ultimate fairy tale castle more in keeping with Bavaria or Disney than a Welsh hillside. The site overlooks
It is an illusion created in the late 19th century, as an inspiration of the spirit of the Victorian era and conceived by the architect William Burges for the Marquis of Bute as a companion piece to the Marquis's hone at Cardiff Castle.
Bute owned Cardiff's docklands and was reputed to be the wealthiest man on the world when he gave the 'eccentric genius' Billy Burgess free rein to create a Victorian dream of the Middle Ages.
Burges died in 1881 before his work was finished and the castle was completed by colleagues. Whilst extravagant the design is underpinned by a profound knowledge of medieval architecture.
The portcullis and drawbridge are working features and the rich embellishments of the interior embody the exuberance of the Victorian age.
Location:
Outskirts of Cardiff. M4, Junction 32, A470, then signposted
Further Information
Telephone: 029 20 810101
Admission charge
No dogs
In the care of Cadw: Telephone 029 20 500200
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© ARTdesigns 2002 Page revised Monday April 01, 2002