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» Places » Cardiff Castle - [Castle] (ST 1804 7654)

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Official Site : Cardiff Castle home page

Cardiff Castle was originally a Roman fort. The Normans created a motte and bailey style castle on the same site in around 1080 or 1090. Robert Fitzhamon was responsible for the castle's construction at this time. Robert Curthose was captured by his elder brother, Henry I King of England, and imprisoned at Cardiff Castle where he died in 1134. In 1158 the Welsh leader Ifor Bach attacked the castle and kidnapped William Fitzcount, the Lord of Glamorgan, along with his family. Ifor Bach demanded the return of land that had been taken from him before releasing the Lord. The wooden castle was replaced with stone by Robert the Consul during the twelth century. Robert built a shell keep at the top of the motte which still survives. The de Clare family had control of the castle during the thirteenth century and under the leadership of Gilbert de Clare improved the defenses ever further. The Despenser family took control of the castle in early years of the fourteenth century. It was during this period that the castle was attacked by the Welsh in the uprising led by Owen Glendower. Later the Earls of Warwick took ownership of the castle.

Mini Timeline

1081		Cardiff Castle created
		William the Conqueror may have ordered the creation of a castle at Cardiff during his tour of Southern Wales.
1134		Death of Robert Curthose
		Robert Curthose, William the Conqueror's eldest son, died in captivity in Cardiff Castle where he had been locked up since being defeated by his brother in 1106. Robert was buried in Gloucester Cathedral where there is an effigy of him still.
1158		Cardiff Castle attack
		Welsh leader Ifor Bach attacked the castle and kidnapped William Fitzcount, the Lord of Glamorgan, along with his family.
1404		Cardiff sacked by Glendower
		Owen Glendower attacked and captured the town of Cardiff and its castle.