Cardiff (Part 2)
28 to 29 June 2024
Some of the most impressive castles are in and around Cardiff. On Friday, Julie and Anthony went to two very different styles if castle, Caerfilly Castle and Castle Coch.
Caerfilly Castle
Constructed in the 13th Century by Edward de Clare, Caerfilly castle is second only to Windsor castle in size in the United Kingdom. As you can see, the castle is protected by an impressive moat (today the ducks really like it). As you can see by the scaffolding and tarps, Caerfilly castle is undergoing significant renovation.
The story of Edward II and Queen Isabella was told with four busts, in a room in the castle.
(le Despencer family were so hated that later in their history they shortened it to Spencer… yea those Spencers)
(still not able to wear shoes)
After lunch in Caerfilly, we wandered upon a modern stone circle in a park on the way to the car.
Castle Coch was built in the 1880s by owner John Crichton-Steward and architect William Burgess. The castle was built on the ruins of a Norman castle that was built in 1081, then added to by Edward de Clare in 1277 and destroyed by the Welsh in the 14th century, because they didn’t like the English ruling over them.
Castle Coch is a combination of Victorian decoration with “Gothic Revival” architecture. Anthony was fascinated by all of the gorgeous Victorian era details.
Julie in the Dungeon
The Fates
Friday evening Julie and Anthony cooked dinner. That evening Steve, Sarah and Anthony went to see the Tempest at the Cardiff Open Air Theater. Julie stayed home and nursed her foot.
Saturday morning, Steve dragged Anthony to a Parkrun in Tremorfa park, Anthony loved it. The UK has an amazing grassroots running culture. There are free 5K runs at 9 (or 9:30) every Saturday morning across the UK, organized by volunteers. You can sign up online, get a barcode and then track your run online and on an app. There are 3 different locations in Cardiff.
Julie and Sarah picked up Julie’s phone (she had to get it fixed after her swim) and met Steve and Anthony for Breakfast (after they got cleaned up). Afterwards they drove down to U of Cardiff (where Sarah works) and went to the National Museum Cardiff.
Anthony, Steve and Sarah with THE Vangough in the National Museum.
Walking around downtown Cardiff, Anthony got enamored of the dragons, which are everywhere.
That afternoon, Kimberly Drive was shut down for a street party. There was music, food and drinks in the middle of the street. All the houses were decked out in pennants.
Nola watching the party
Nola helped us pack, making sure Anthony didn’t leave a sock.
Maps: Castles and Cardiff Museum
