An old print of
Cardigan Castle in the 18th Century
Cardigan Castle today
This ancient castle, now in ruins, was
once the stronghold of one of Wales' most prominent rulers Rhys ap
Gruffydd (Lord Rhys) who established the National Eisteddfod on the
site of the castle in 1176. when he held a massive medieval
housewarming party recorded in the Brut y
Tywysogion as follows:
at Christmas in that year, the Lord Rhys ap
Gruffydd held court in splendour at Cardigan, in the castle. And he
set two kinds of contests there: one between bards and poets,
another between harpists and crowders and pipers and various classes
of music craft. And he had two chairs set for the victors. And he
honoured those with ample gifts.
In 1808, a Grand Georgian Mansion (right)
was built on the site incorporating one of the castle's towers into
its structure. Now in poor condition, it was bought by Ceredigion
Council in 2003. The Council and campaigners hope that tourists will
flock to this medieval walled site once the mansion and its Regency
gardens are restored.
Contact: Sue Lewis - Cardigan Castle Campaign,
Tivyside Advertiser, 39 St Mary's Street, Cardigan.
