Caerphilly Castle

Built in 3 years, one of the first concentric castle constructions, restored by the Marquess of Bute, for a time the richest man on the planet!

Son #1 and #2 are re-united and were determined to make today a themed day. Since we were heading to never before visited (by us) Caerphilly Castle they decided to adopt the theme of war and siege all the way there.

It started with a few preliminary assaults to test each others' defences, escalated into a short but intense battle and then settled down for an hour long siege.

On opening the doors in the car park a detente broke out for a good period whilst we explored the castle. Some great interactive displays and films kept them interested and quiet before, without my knowledge, they joined in an alliance and took me on in the gift shop.

I have been in these battles before so quickly rebuffed them by fleeing the battlefield. Little did I suspect that they would resume hostilities in John Lewis in Bristol, some 50 minutes later.

My powers were weak and they almost had a victory. I managed to buy them off temporarily by buying a toothbrush holder in Next and treating them to some drinks in the in-store Costa.

Some of the inhabitants of Caerphilly castle fared worse with a reasonable smattering of hanging, drawing and quartering.

Isn't the quartering a bit OTT though? Surely the drawing has to pretty much finish you off.

You'd think such barbarity would be long since gone but the news this week proves sadly otherwise. We live in funny times.