We were driving through the center of the beautiful city of Cardiff, maneuvering our way through the bustle of activity of workers, shoppers and tourist, when we first spotted the walls of Cardiff Castle. The walls were festive in appearance with brightly colored banners and flags. The striking clock tower at one corner of the wall gave just a hint of the grandeur that was inside.

Evidence shows that the Romans probably settled this site in the mid-first century AD. Although the first Norman castle was built here in about 1091, it wasn't until the twelfth century the first stone structures including the keep were built. This twelve-sided keep survives today. In the fifteenth century new buildings were constructed at Cardiff Castle, including quarters along the curtain wall. A gothic-Victorian restoration of the castle began in 1865 when the wealthy 3rd Marquess of Bute gained title to the castle. The 150 foot high richly decorated clock tower was built at this time.

The 3rd Marquess of Bute was reputed at that time to be the richest man in the world. He spared no cost in the restoration of Cardiff Castle. There are lavish rooms decorated in a theme such as the Arab room, the Bachelors' Bedroom, the Chaucer room, and a winter and a summer smoking room. The rooms are decorated with such grandeur and over-statement that some consider it tacky. It is another example of how the powerful of the time flaunted their wealth.

The 5th Marquess of Bute presented Cardiff Castle to the City of Cardiff in 1947. We highly recommend a visit to this castle and to the surrounding city of Cardiff.