Cyfarthfa Castle facts for kids
| Castell Cyfarthfa | |
Front view of Cyfarthfa Castle
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| Established | 1824 |
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| Location | Park, Merthyr Tydfil, Wales |
| Type | Historic house museum, art museum |
| Architect | Robert Lugar |
| Owner | Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Trust |
Cyfarthfa Castle (which means 'place of barking' in Welsh) is a grand mansion in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. It looks like a strong, old castle, but it was actually built as a fancy home for the wealthy Crawshay family. They were famous ironmasters who owned the huge Cyfarthfa Ironworks nearby. From the castle, they could see their busy ironworks and the beautiful valley.
This amazing house was designed to be a comfortable home, not a fortress. It had many rooms, including a big kitchen, a library, and even a billiard room for games. It also had huge storage areas, stables, and coach houses. The castle sits in a massive park called Cyfarthfa Park, which is 158 acres! It's a great place for walks and fun activities, and it's looked after by the local council.
Contents
A Castle's Story: From Home to School and Museum
Who Built Cyfarthfa Castle?
Cyfarthfa Castle was built in 1824 for William Crawshay II, a very rich ironmaster. He hired an architect named Robert Lugar to design it. The castle cost about £30,000 to build, which was a huge amount of money back then! It was made using stone from local quarries.
The castle is very impressive, with 15 towers and 72 rooms. Imagine living in a house that big! From 1846, Rose Mary Crawshay was the lady of the house. She lived there until her husband, Robert Thompson Crawshay, passed away in 1889.
How the Castle Became a School and Museum
In 1908, the Crawshay family sold the castle to the local council. At first, they weren't sure what to do with such a big building. Eventually, they decided to use part of the ground floor for a museum. This museum is still open today! It has many interesting things, including paintings and items from the Crawshay family.
In 1913, the rest of the building became a secondary school. It started as separate schools for boys and girls. Then, in 1945, they joined together to become Cyfarthfa Castle Grammar School. Later, in 1970, it changed again to Cyfarthfa High School, which is a comprehensive school.
The Grand Entrance Hall
The Entrance Hall is one of the most beautiful rooms in the castle. Today, it's where you'll find the shop and reception area. When you step inside, you'll notice the amazing decorations. There are small shields, tall pillars, and huge Gothic doors. The red and clear glass windows at the back of the hall make it feel very grand.
When the house was finished in 1825, this hall was the biggest room. The Crawshay family probably used it for large parties and events. The ceiling even has a white rose, which is a symbol of Yorkshire, where the Crawshay family originally came from.
Fun at Cyfarthfa Park and Museum
Activities in Cyfarthfa Park
Cyfarthfa Park is a wonderful place to visit, listed as a park of special historic interest. It has many acres of paths for walking and exploring. One of the most exciting things is the miniature steam railway, which has been running since 1987!
The park also has:
- A conference center called Canolfan Cyfarthfa, which has rooms for events and a seasonal café.
- A children's playground with a 'Splash Pad' for hot days.
- A 9-hole golf course.
- Bowling grounds and tennis courts.
- A fishing lake.
Throughout the year, the park hosts many events. You might see car shows, horse shows, or even concerts! Famous singers like Donny Osmond and Status Quo have performed here.
Discoveries at the Museum and Art Gallery
The Museum and Art Gallery are located in beautifully restored rooms. They have a fantastic collection of items that belonged to the Crawshay family. You can also see fine art, decorative art, and interesting objects from all over the world. It's a great place to learn about the history of the area.
The Playroom: A Special Place for Kids
The Playroom is a special area in the castle used for temporary exhibitions. But when the Crawshay family lived here, it was a room just for their children! William Crawshay had many children, and he loved having them close by. That's why all the children's areas in the house were near his office.
Today, the Playroom hosts different exhibitions throughout the year. You might see modern art, classic paintings, or displays about the local community and its history.
