Castell Coch (English translation: Red Castle) is a 19th century Gothic Revival castle built on the remains of a genuine 13th century fortification. It is situated in the village of Tongwynlais, north Cardiff, Wales. A castle was probably founded on the site in the early thirteenth century by a Welsh chieftain named Ifor Bach. In the late thirteenth century the castle site was claimed by the De Clare family because of its strategic importance, commanding both the plains area and the entrance to the Taff valley. The castle was rebuilt in stone and consisted of a keep, towers, an enclosed courtyard and a gatehouse.

It is assumed, in the absence of documentary evidence, that the castle was almost completely destroyed in the Welsh rebellions of the early 14th Century. Certainly, in Tudor times, John Leyland described it as "al in ruine". It was in this wrecked and overgrown state in 1871, when John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute, ordered the site to be cleared of vegetation and debris and his architect, William Burges (architect) drew up plans for a full reconstruction. Burges and the Marquess had, by that time, been working for over three years on the rebuilding of Cardiff Castle and the aim at Castle Coch was to achieve another gothic revival masterpiece in the appropriate 13th century style.

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Castell Coch ...... made with coal a very distinctive collection of finely detailed gifts, figures, models ornaments and figurines

Castell Coch ...... amazing figures made with coal

Castell Coch ...... these mining icons will provide a remarkable addition to the collection of any Coal mining enthusiast or those connected to mining made with coal