Castell Coch Tongwynlais
Castell Coch Tongwynlais Details
Castell Coch Tongwynlais (the famous one), C12 castle of de Clares ruined by C15 + extensively restored C19
- Closest To: Tongwynlais
- Access: Chargeable Public Access
- Grid Reference: ST131826
Castle Coch Tongwynlais is one of several castles in Wales bearing the name, which means “Red Castle”. This is the most famous one, and is run by Cadw as a tourist attraction. It started out life in the 12th century as a ditched motte – perhaps with a bailey – and this was later modified so that the motte was encased in stone and a small round courtyard castle erected on top. In ruins by the start of the 16th century at the latest, it was entirely restored and much rebuilt in the 19th century in gothic fantasy style for the Marquess of Bute.