Castles Comparision

Crenellations and slits in the squat towers of Caerphilly Castle

It is interesting to note that Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch originate from one person. Gilbert de Clare or Gilbert the Red who had Caerphilly Castle built in response to the threat posed by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and also built the original Castell Coch to guard the Taff Gorge and the plains of Cardiff. The two castles have a second patron in common, the third Marquise of Bute, who apart from having Castell Coch restored was responsible for the reconstruction and conservation of parts of Caerphilly Castle. Despite Castell Coch's fantasy countenance, on drawing closer one becomes aware of the grey stark walls that display no elaboration or ornament, as commonly seen with neo-gothic architecture, thereby achieving a functional appearance.

Crenelations and slits in the Well tower (right) at Castell Coch

William Burges drew on parallels when designing Castell Coch and it would seem that the functional aspect could be one of the influences from this castle. The visitor to Caerphilly will be immediately struck by the castle's strong and utilitarian appearance. If we are to believe that a castle was a structure of oppression then Caerphilly Castle is living evidence. Caerphilly's crenelations also seem to be appoint of reference for Burges as although Castell Coch's roofs mean that there are few crenelations, the well tower exhibits some that are well spaced with arrow slits between the embrasures and show a strong similarity to that of Caerphilly.

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