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The southern Wales community developed in the southern portion of the Rhymney River Valley in the County of Glamorgan. The name Caerphilly developed sometime during the reign of Henry III and many believe it to have Roman origin. Archaeological evidence indicates Roman occupation with the discovery of an ancient fort.
Following the Romans, the area attracted Britons. St. Cnydd named the territory Senghenydd and constructed a monastery here. The Saxons of Mercia destroyed the monastery and built a castle in its place during the year 831 AD. In 1215, an army of Welsh forces, led by a chieftain named Rhys Vychan, advanced toward the community. Lord Reginold de Breos, the owner of the castle and territory, burned the town and gathered the community together within the safe confines of the castle.
The castle and territories passed back and forth between the Brits and the Welsh until finally undergoing dismantling. The majority of Wales belonged to the Welsh and Henry III adopted a peace treaty with the people. Despite the treaty, the king allowed Baron Gilbert de Claire to seize Caerphilly. Also known as “Gilbert the Red,” the new lord over Glamorgan began repairs on the castle in 1268. Armies led by Llyweln the Last made repeated attempts against the fortress. However, many failures and intervention by the crown caused the leader and his army to retreat northward.
In the early 1300s, Edward II lost the castle to his wife Isabella, after which he fled the territory. The castle was abandoned shortly thereafter until acquired by the Bute family in the late 1700s. By 1795, Caerphilly still only had a population of 200 and did not experience substantial residential growth until the next century.
In the 1800s, the town became a popular stop along the transportation route between Merthyr and Cardiff. Besides agriculture, coal mining supported the local economy and brought many in hopes of employment. Caerphilly became a storage location and began involvement in the export/import industry. Local markets sold food, livestock and woollen products. The area became renowned with the development and sale of Caerphilly Cheese.
Activities and Attractions
The Cwymcarn Forest contains miles of paved routes accessible to bikes, cars and walkers that meander through the scenic region. Visit the remains of the expansive Gelligaer Roman military fort that once protected the land. Explore the ruins and see an artist’s depiction of how the fort may have appeared in the first century. The walled fortress contained barracks, the commander’s home, storage and other buildings. Learn the history of Roman occupation and the constant battles with the native Celts.
Parc Penallta also contains numerous trails that travel through grasslands, wetlands and woodlands. Visit the observatory and see the amazing earth sculpture referred to as the Sultan.
Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales and one of the largest in Great Britain. Large portions of the fortress remain remarkably intact. Some sections have undergone renovation. Standing on 30 acres (12 hectares) of land, the parallelogram shaped fortress protected the inner ward with a double walled perimeter. Site exhibits depict typical furnishings and weaponry in addition to providing a glimpse of life during medieval times. Passages and walkways once connected every part of the castle, which remains encircled by water in the heart of Caerphilly. A museum also traces the history of castles throughout Wales.
Llancaiach Fawr is another fortified home built in 1530. Visitors entering the premises find the manor estate much the way it appeared during the mid 1600s. Guides re-enact the Pritchard family and their employees, carrying on typical household and property duties. Through these entertaining characters guests learn the history of the home and the community along with the legends and tales that surround the estate. The owners redesigned the landscape, which replicates the Civil War era.
Places to Stay and Dining
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the variety of available caravan facilities amongst the scenic beauty in Caerphilly. Some facilities offer cabins or pods for those individuals who prefer not to participate in a traditional rustic camping adventure.
Guests having a taste for contemporary Indian cuisine might venture to the Castle Gate restaurant. Popular dishes include chicken or lamb prepared with coriander or curry. House specialties include Moni Puri prepared with a choice of meat in a Bengal spiced BBQ sauce with onions and peppers.
Accommodation in Caerphilly
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