Cardiff Castle,
laying in the heart of the town, started during the arrival of the Normans
with the construction of the keep. Other medieval fortifications and dwellings
were added throughout the subsequent centuries. It was held by a succession of
noble, English families. During the English Civil War of the mid 17th Century,
it was held by a family in sympathy with Parliament, but was taken by the crown
and held for most of the rest of the conflict. The Brute family, in the 19th
Century, restored the castle and turned it into a sumptuous home fit for a
rich, noble family, a neo gothic style dream palace like something out of a
fairy tale. In 1947, the castle passed to the Cardiff
government and is now run and preserved by the Cardiff Council.
The visitor will be dazzled by the interior of the castle, with its artwork
along the themes of astrological symbols, nature's creatures, the pleasures of
the seasons, biblical characters dressed in gilt robes, Moorish designs, and
heraldic features. Flowing fountains, rich greenery and incredible marble
fireplaces accentuate the astounding effect of the Brutes' medievalist
yearnings.
A great evening excursion is the traditional Welsh banquet that is held in
the undercroft. Fine mead and wine is served with a traditional four course
Welsh feast. Costumed performers sing traditional Welsh ballads to the sound of
the harp. One can also take a special evening tour of the castle’s apartments,
including three rooms in the famous Clock Tower, before the feast.