Incredible story of our beloved city’s greatest attraction
MATTHEW Williams, who recently retired as curator of Cardiff Castle after almost 30 years, is the author of the splendid new book Cardiff Castle And The Marquesses Of Bute.
Matthew, well-known to Cardiffians for his castle lectures and talks, has produced a superbly illustrated book that will surely be recognised as the definitive work on our beloved city’s greatest attraction.
Writing in the foreword to my book
Central Cardiff back in 1998, Matthew had this to say: “Standing at the heart of it all is Cardiff’s oldest building, the Castle, which has witnessed nearly 2,000 years of history since it was first founded by invading Roman legions.
“Although the castle is now taken for granted by most Cardiffians, it cannot be ignored, forming as it does a magnificent centrepiece to the city.
“It was not always so, and some senior residents may recall the early 1920s and before, when houses on both sides of Duke Street obscured the castle.
“It is also hard to believe that, at one time, grapevines grew up the Castle walls.
“Much credit is due to the late fourth Marquess of Bute, whose care ensured that the look and setting of the Castle was as appealing as it remains today.” How true!
And now Matthew has done his beloved castle proud in his new and unique book.
As John, 7th Marquess of Bute states in his preface: “Matthew Williams’ encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of one of Wales’ most intriguing ancient monuments is guaranteed to be a good read for anyone interested in the remarkable story of the transformation of this small fishing port of
Cardiff into a powerhouse of the British industrial revolution.”
There is no one better qualified than Matthew to write a book on Cardiff Castle and I read it with mounting fascination. With chapters entitled the 1st Marquess and Capability Brown; the Growing Fortunes; Empty Castle; The 3rd Marquess and William Burges;
Cardiff Castle Transformed; and The Bute Legacy, this book will delight those wanting to know more.
Apart from a 32-page booklet Let’s Go Inside, published by Western Mail & Echo Ltd, and which cost 2/6 some years ago, Matthew’s book is the first to be written about the castle since JP Grant’s 71-page Cardiff Castle in 1923.
Matthew’s book runs to 208 pages and, as it says on the blurb, “This superbly illustrated book offers both a rich selection of archive and historical material and gloriously new photography to do full justice to a fascinating story.”
If you are looking for a nice Christmas present for a loved one then look no more.
Please send your stories and pictures to Brian Lee, Cardiff Remembered, South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff CF10 1XR or email brianlee4@virginmedia.com – please include a telephone number as I am unable to reply by letter.