In the south-east corner is the base of a large rectangular building, possibly a granary. It’s also a great backdrop for TV and film and it secured a starring role in the BBC TV series 'Merlin'.
By 1283 Edward I had removed the threat of Welsh independence and the need for Caerphilly had gone. Below (2): exterior view of the great hall from the inner ward (left) and interior view of Caerphilly's great hall (right) The castle’s active history was an extremely short one. Caerphilly Castle is a medieval fortification in Caerphilly in South Wales. Caerphilly Castle dominates it's surrounding and hogs the limelight. But he was certainly its inspiration. Caerphilly is an early example of the impregnable concentric castle design – effectively a castle within the walls of another castle. The false machicolation, poorer masonry and chimneys may indicate that the gatehouse was rebuilt at a later date. Only a narrow strip separates this from the much stronger inner ward which has high curtain walls, circular corner towers and two large strong gatehouses corresponding with the outer ones. Several factors give it this pre-eminence - its immense size (1.2h), making it the largest in Britain after Windsor, its large-scale use of water for defence and the fact that it is the first truly concentric castle in Britain. Llywelyn realised the threat and tried but failed to prevent the castle from being built; it was begun on 11 April 1268, was attacked by Llywelyn in 1270, and was begun again in 1271.
Hugh le Despenser brought in the best craftsmen, who raised the roof and gave the four windows a decorated ogee shape, rich mouldings, and glass. It consists of twin D-shaped towers, a central passage with portcullises at both ends, and circular stair turrets on the inner corners. Caerphilly Castle is a member of the GWR 4073 Class built in 1923.. Its opposite number on the west (right) is slightly better preserved. This time it was completed without hindrance. Opposing him in Glamorgan was the native Welsh prince Llywelyn the Last. In 1263, Gilbert de Clare, also known as "Red Gilbert" because of the colour of his hair, inherited the family lands. Think slumbering giant awaiting a call to arms. The imposing east gatehouse of the inner ward is the climax of any visit to the castle. Morgan attacked Caerphilly, burning half the city, but could not get the castle.
De Clare built other castles on the northern fringes of his territory for the same purpose, such as Castell Coch. Caerphilly is unusual in being a late castle built on a virgin site. It is a double-skinned parallelogram surrounded by large-scale water defences. At its end is a strong postern gate and drawbridge.
Originally the timber roof was lower, carried on the four carved corbels still in place in the south wall. Llweyln had taken advantage of the chaos of the civil war in England between Henry III and rebel barons during the 1260s to expand his power across the region. Discover (and save!) Its message was not lost on Llywelyn, who retreated northwards. Caerphilly Castle seen from the west. Aug 4, 2013 - This Pin was discovered by lu liu. The south and north lakes around the castle formed an almost insuperable barrier to attackers. On the opposite side
The handsome and comfortable apartment on the second floor was probably that of the keeper, or constable of the castle. The large ground-floor hall, which was evidently a sumptuous building, was remodelled by Hugh le Despenser the Younger in 1322-6 and was restored by the 3rd marquis of Bute in the late 19th century.