Issue 42 summer 24 web - Flipbook - Page 37
Cadw's biggest conservation
project taking shape at
Caerphilly Castle
Culture Secretary, Lesley Griffiths has visited to Caerphilly Castle to see how a £10m investment at
one of Wales’ finest historic sites is progressing.
The project will be key in heightening the experience
of visitors and is part of a wider regeneration plan for
Caerphilly town centre.
The investments at Caerphilly Castle aim to make it
a world-class visitor attraction while conserving the
monument and preserving its history.
Work taking place at the castle includes refurbishing the
Great Hall, where medieval banquets would have taken
place. As well as this, the project includes a wildflower
garden, new interpretation and improvements to the
Earl’s Chamber, alongside essential conservation and
accessibility work.
Caerphilly Castle is one of the great medieval castles of
Western Europe and the largest castle in Wales. It was
constructed in 1268-72 and was the most militarily
advanced castle in the country at that time. Today, tens
of thousands of visitors enjoy the castle’s rich heritage
each year.
Below, Lesley Griffiths at Caerphilly Castle CSJ
This investment is one of the most ambitious conservation and development projects ever undertaken at a monument by Cadw. Preliminary works were completed last
year, including conservation and improvements to the
roof over the Inner East Gatehouse which was designed
to reduce the amount of rainwater entering the structure.
Cadw aims to present monuments in an enjoyable way
without detracting from their historic and cultural value.
The Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice,
Lesley Griffiths, said: “Caerphilly Castle is crucial to the
region and the number one attraction drawing visitors to
the town. It’s been great to see the investment and conservation work which has already taken place and learn
more about what comes next to ensure this remains a
first-class experience for visitors. Our national heritage is
as vital to people today as it has ever been and we must
see and experience our history to understand it.
“Investment in both conservation and accessibility
ensures more people can visit our historical monuments
and enjoy them for generations to come. I look forward
to following Cadw’s progress on this significant and
ambitious project.”
