focusman

By welshcameraman

Castelle Coch (Red Castle)

This Grade l listed castle was built in 1870 for the 3rd Marquess of Bute. It stands above the village of Tongwynlais , North of Cardiff.  The builder,  William Burges was given a free rein and an open cheque book with regard to the  construction,  as the Marquess wanted it to be on a par with his main residence, Cardiff Castle. The Marquess was said to be the richest man in the world at the time.  It was known as a Gothic Revival Castle and strangely, was hardly ever used by the Marquess or his family. The architecture in this place is really amazing and the decoration inside is quite spectacular! It would be well worth a visit if the opportunity arose. The castle was occupied by his wife and daughter for a while after his death in 1900.  In 1950,  the 5th Marquess placed the castle into the care of the ministry of works and it is now administered by CADW, which is an agency of the Welsh Government. The castell has been used in many TV and Film productions over the years and like many other places like this, it is said to be haunted. The view of this place when driving past on the M4 motorway is almost like looking at something from a fairy tale!

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