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Tours > Wales > Caerphilly
Caerphilly (Caerffili)
 When the great castles of Wales come to mind, the magnificent masterpieces built by Edward I in North Wales: Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, Beaumaris, and Rhuddlan get immediate attention. Yet, only a few miles northwest of Cardiff, on the A469, lies the most magnificent of them all: Caerphilly (into which all five of the others could fit).
Caerphilly is not one of Edward's castles; it was built in 1268 by a Norman Marcher Lord, Gilbert de Clare. Its concentric plan of defense, however, was later adopted by Edward's castle builders. It was attacked and destroyed by Welsh Prince Llewelyn and then rebuilt by de Clare. Its 30 acres make it the largest stronghold in Britain after Windsor Castle, and its water defenses make it unique and practically impregnable.
The castle stands on an island surrounded by two lakes and an inner and outer moat, the latter spanned by a double drawbridge, daunting indeed. The magnificent Great Hall has been restored and is often used for official functions. Cromwell's attempt to blow up part of the walls resulted in the strange leaning tower, steeply and precariously angled.
Caerphilly is also famous for its soft, white crumbly cheese, but in the early 90's manufacture of this delicacy was transferred to other towns mainly in England. About six miles north of Cardiff, it can be reached on the A469.
Next Stop: The Five Valleys
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