Battle re-enactments and outdoor markets could be among the events held at the Swansea city centre attraction now that its ancient courtyard has been given a new look fit for the 21st Century.
Work on the courtyard, which dates back hundreds of years, has included the laying of new grass turf and pennant stone so it can host activities and act as a meeting place for months and years to come. Five new seats have also been put in place.
The project was overseen by Swansea Council and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Carmarthenshire Council and the Welsh Government as part of Cadw’s Heritage Tourism Project.
Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This project has greatly improved the look and accessibility of the castle and the area that surrounds it, but it’s just the start of a plan to ensure the landmark becomes a feature of everyday life in Swansea once again.
“You can’t underestimate the importance and popularity of heritage-based tourism nowadays, and this is why we’ll be looking to set up a Friends of Swansea Castle group to take people on regular tours of the attraction in years to come. Information panels will also be added to help inform both residents and visitors all about the castle’s fascinating history and the key role it once played at the heart of Swansea life.
“Not even the three-night blitz of 1941 could destroy our historic castle. We have a duty to preserve it for future generations to enjoy.”
John Griffiths, the Welsh Government’s Minister for Culture and Sport, said: “Historic attractions have a significant impact on tourism in Wales. Visiting a castle or historic attraction was by far the most frequently mentioned specific reason for visiting Wales amongst overseas visitors in a recent survey conducted by Visit Wales, with 61% of those questioned stating this was the reason for their visit.
“It is therefore important that visitors to the sites have a positive experience, as well as an opportunity to learn about Welsh heritage, and what better way to do this than through bringing the castle to life with an improved look and lively events.”
A previous phase of works in 2011 saw the castle’s upper floors, vaulted rooms and tower building made accessible. The tower building was turned into a debtors’ prison in the late 18th Century for people unable to pay their debts.
All openings in recent years have been fully-booked, so a set of demountable stairs is also expected to arrive soon to allow more people to discover the castle.
Swansea Castle was founded in about 1106 by Henry de Beaumont who was later given the Lordship of Gower by King Henry I. It originally consisted of earthworks and timber defences. Its history includes the story of Medieval Welsh warrior William Cragh, also known as William the Scabby, who was said to be miraculously brought back to life after being executed within sight of the castle in 1290 for killing 13 men.
