Castell Caerffili

After much grinding & gnashing of teeth, Hari's castle's makeover is unveiled this weekend.

We were lucky to get a private tour 😉 

Its a truly magical place, and the refurb is done really well. It tells the story of Edward II, Hugh Despenser, his lover, and Hugh's wife, Eleanor. I didn't realise that she was born in Caerffili, to the De Clare family. By marrying her, Hugh then got his hands on the marcher lordship of Glamorgan. This room told her story.

Hugh was a total bastard, scheming, stealing, and manipulating Ed II. Still, he got his comeuppance after Ed was deposed, and ended up being castrated, hung, drawn & quartered. 

The servants could have eavesdropped over them from this 'whispering' corridor. You can hear them gossiping as you walk along.

Their story was really brought to life in the Great Hall, below, using a fabulous AV. presentation, using the 3 banners, the end tapestry, and the surrounding walls. Very cleverly done.

Hari commissioned this! Really impressive stuff. Here's a clip

Chapeau, Hari Howell!