High Victorian fantasy transformed the ruins of a Welsh fortress into a whimsical fairytale castle, known as Castell Coch. In the 19th century, architect William Burges envisioned this enchanting creation when he laid eyes on the remains of a 13th-century fortification belonging to a Welsh chieftain. Inspired by the romanticism of the time, Burges saw the crumbling foundation as the perfect canvas for his dreamlike architectural masterpiece.
Castell Coch was designed to fuse Gothic and High Victorian styles, transforming a once utilitarian fortress into a decadent fairytale castle. Little is known about the earlier history of the site. Though it likely fell during the 14th-century Welsh rebellion, becoming an overlooked casualty of the time. That is, until 1871, when John Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute, took an interest in the ruin. He commissioned his architect, William Burges, to embark on an ambitious restoration. He aimed to transform the former stronghold into a stunning example of Victorian-era architectural fantasy.
Though not historically precise, Castell Coch is undeniably a whimsical fantasy come to life. Conical towers loom over an enchanting drawbridge, while the interiors feature birds and butterflies elegantly painted on gilded trellises. Highlights include an ornate chimney piece above a grand fireplace. It’s where the Three Fates are depicted spinning the thread of life. The lavishly adorned bedrooms and ballrooms reflect the full opulence of the High Victorian Gothic style.
After William Burges passed away in 1881, the restoration continued for another decade, with additional features gradually completed. This architectural hybrid was built purely for the joy of creating a fanciful castle. Now managed by the Ministry of Works, Castell Coch is appreciated more for its architectural charm than for its historical fidelity.
