Caerphilly Castle will reopen this weekend following a £8m investment to refurbish its great hall, introduce new digital displays and improve accessibility and the outdoor area.
From 19 July, visitors will be able to explore the story of the biggest castle in Wales, which traces its beginnings back to 1268, through new interactive exhibits.
The funding from Welsh Government’s historic environment service Cadw has also conserved and opened for public access the medieval water-gate passageway that connects the hall to the southern lake, while new paths and ramps have been added to improve accessibility.
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Jack Sargeant, Welsh minister for culture, among the confirmed speakers
Cadw’s work at Caerphilly Castle forms part of the wider programme to regenerate the town of Caerphilly through projects such as Foss Caerffili, a public transport interchange project, and the reinvigoration of Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall to create a cultural centre.
“This substantial £8m investment has not only restored this remarkable medieval space to its former glory but has made our shared history more accessible and engaging for everyone,” said culture minister Jack Sargeant.
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“I'm particularly proud that we've been able to make our historic sites more inclusive, including the new £1 entry scheme for Universal Credit recipients [at Cadw-staffed sites].”
Conservation work
Elsewhere in Wales, Cyfarthfa Castle and Pont-y-Cafnau bridge have received £4.5m from Cadw for conservation work.
Standing since 1825, Cyfarthfa Castle was originally constructed as the grand family residence of ironmaster William Crawshay II. It houses a museum and art gallery with historical and contemporary collections. About 80% of the building is currently closed to the public.
The Cyfarthfa Foundation, a charity established to champion the long-term development of Cyfarthfa, aims to restore the building, expand museum displays and art galleries and develop the 160-acre park for future generations.
The funding also aims to boost the numbers of visitors who come and explore the castle, gardens and lake, enjoy the play facilities and participate in various activities offered throughout the grounds.
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Jack Sargeant said: “By partnering with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council on this vital regeneration work, we're not just repairing a building – we're investing in Wales's cultural landscape, boosting tourism, and creating opportunities for people to connect with our rich history for generations to come.”
Further funding
Meanwhile Monmouthshire County Council has been awarded £1.5m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the transformative Shire Hall Project.
The capital project includes the development of new galleries at the Grade 1 listed former courthouse, the installation of a modern heating system and the creation of versatile spaces to support income generation.
The project will also focus on community participation and volunteering, with a range of activities and events planned to engage a wider audience.
Monmouthshire Council has also received grant funding from the Welsh Government’s Cultural Transformational Capital Programme for the Shire Hall project.
The courthouse was the location of the trial of the Chartist leader John Frost and others for high treason for their part in the Newport Rising. It now houses a museum of local history and tells the story of the 1839 rising through courtroom and cell displays.
The museum is also home to Monmouth's Nelson Collection, comprising manuscripts, personal belongings, naval equipment, and decorative arts associated with Admiral Nelson.
