Castle Coch

I suddenly remembered it was my neice's birthday tomorrow so I decided on the scenic drive to my sisters house in Cardiff to drop of a card and money, plus visit Makro which on the way to pick up Mach 3 blades on offer.

I often photograph Castle Coch, but got this one from a different angle than normal, and maybe one not often seen.

For those interested, Castle Coch (English: Red Castle) is a 19th-century Gothic Revival castle built on the remains of a genuine 13th-century fortification. It is situated on a steep hillside high above the village of Tongwynlais, to the north of Cardiff in Wales, and is a Grade I listed building as from 28 January 1963.

Designed by William Burges, with an impressively medieval appearance, working portcullis and drawbridge, and sumptuous interiors which rival those of Cardiff Castle.

The earlier fortification was constructed by a Welsh chieftain referred to as Ifor Bach ("Little Ivor"). In the late 13th century the castle site was claimed by the De Clare family because of its strategic importance, commanding both the plains area and the entrance to the Taff valley. The castle was rebuilt in stone and consisted of a keep, towers, an enclosed courtyard and a gatehouse.