Latest news with #GilbertDeClare
BBC News
3 days ago
- BBC News
Caerphilly Castle reopens after two-year renovation
Wales' biggest castle has reopened after two years of renovations aimed at "reconnecting communities with their heritage".The £8m worth of upgrades to Caerphilly Castle include a reconstruction of the Great Hall to how it appeared in its "medieval heyday", as well as new digital exhibits and accessibility improvements."The castle has stood as a guardian for over 750 years and… we're ensuring it remains at the heart of the town's identity for generations to come," said Jayne Bryant MS, housing and local government 13th Century structure was built by Gilbert de Clare, the Earl of Gloucester, as a fortress against Welsh resistance. The castle – the second biggest in the UK, behind Windsor - reopened on Saturday to include new interactive exhibitions that tell stories of the castle, including "power struggles, betrayals and liaisons with people who built and fought over the castle", according to Welsh heritage body is also an exhibit on John Crichton-Stuart, the fourth Marquis of Bute, who funded its reconstruction in the 1920s.A medieval passageway connected to the Great Hall has been opened for public access, while there have also been repairs to a major gatehouse. New paths and ramps, as well as a wildflower garden, have been for Culture Jack Sargeant, said the renovation has "made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone"."The Great Hall, interactive exhibits and improved accessibility demonstrate our commitment to preserving Wales' rich cultural heritage while ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations," he Bryant said, the upgrades were "about reconnecting communities with their heritage and boosting local economies".
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Britain's 2nd biggest castle is finally reopening after £8MILLION revamp – and will transport guests back to 1320s
BRITAIN'S second biggest castle is finally reopening after £8million revamp. Following two years of conservation and refurbishment work, the public will finally be able to get a peek at the monument. 5 5 Caerphilly Castle is the largest of its kind in Wales and it was constructed in the 13th century. Second only to Windsor Castle, it was constructed by Gilbert de Clare, the seventh Earl of Gloucester. Now, visitors will once again get to experience the grandeur of the medieval age when it reopens on July 19th. Huge rooms to receive renovations include the famous Great Hall and the inner castle ward. Stonemasons, archaeologists and conservation experts were all brought in to make sure guests would be transported back to the 1320s. The public will also get to experience new digital exhibits which will tell the stories of both the building as well as the inhabitants. Visitors will get to learn even more about the men, women and children who lived in the castle over the seven centuries. New areas have also now been made accessible to the public, as tourists will get to see the medieval water-gate passageway. They will see the connection between the Great Hall to the southern lake as major repairs were also carried out to the Inner East Gatehouse. Management have also made features more accessible across the site in the £8million development. This European castle was the inspiration for Disney Jack Sargeant is Wales' culture minister who gushed about the impending reopening. He said: "[The £8m investment] has not only restored this remarkable medieval space to its former glory but has made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone. "The Great Hall, interactive exhibits and improved accessibility demonstrate our commitment to preserving Wales' rich cultural heritage while ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations." Meanwhile, housing secretary Jayne Bryant added: "The castle has stood as a guardian for over 750 years, and through this sensitive restoration, we're ensuring it remains at the heart of the town's identity for generations to come." 5 5
