Rich Mans Castle

Castle Coch (The Red Castle) is in Tongwynlais on the outskirts of Cardiff (Wales, UK) with commanding views along the River Taff.

The first castle on the site was built by the Normans (circa 1061AD). Abandoned shortly afterwards the earth motte was used from 1267AD to built a stone base with the castle destroyed in The Welsh Rebellion (1314AD). John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute, (The Wealthiest man in the UK at the time) inherited the castle in 1848 and in 1875 started having the castle restored (using stone base) and renovated for a country residence/hunting lodge with no expense spared. He died in 1881 before the castle was finished in 1891!  A Rich Mans castle or plaything - the theme of 'rich' for this weeks Wide Wednesday Challenge.

The photograph shows it very early in the morning with its view along The Taff towards Cardiff.

My mum is back in hospital from yeserday with 'gastro' problems so some time taken with visits.