CARDIGAN CASTLE, CEREDIGION

The Cardigan Castle project is exemplar in the method followed to gain ownership of an important site, and the creation of a partnership to gain funding. If the castle was left neglected for longer it would have fallen into total disrepair.

The Prince's Regeneration Trust, put together a partnership and helped to set up the Cadwgan Trust, we are supporting them through the Options Appraisal. The project has gone through each of the steps set out in our Regeneration Through Heritage Handbook.

The site was Compulsorily Purchased by Ceredigion County Council as the Castle and Castle Green House fell into ruin. The County Council are now working with Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust to get funding for its restoration. An options appraisal has identified the potential for a mix of uses including education and tourism and allowing public access. The first task however will be to repair the castle walls which have long been shored up by massive props.

Cardigan Castle dates from 1170's when the Lord Rhys built his stone castle on this rocky outcrop above the River Teifi. It was rebuilt in the mid 13th century when the keep was added. Little change occurred until the 19th century when the inner ward was landscaped and the elegant late-Georgian villa known as Castle Green House was built. Historically Cardigan is the birthplace of the Welsh National Eisteddfod as the first one was held here in 1176.