Dunraven Castle facts for kids
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Dunraven Castle, or Castell Dwnrhefn in Welsh, was a large house located on the coast of South Wales, near a village called Southerndown. It wasn't always a castle; it began as a big country house. In the early 1800s, it was rebuilt to look like a castle and used as a special lodge for hunting. Over time, it was changed and updated many times. Today, some parts of the old house and its grounds are protected as important historical sites.
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The Story of Dunraven Castle
The land where Dunraven Castle stood has a long history. People believe that the very first fort here was built way back in the mid-1100s by a person named Arnold le Boteler. By the 1500s, a large country house, known as a manor house, was on the site. It belonged to the Vaughan family.
From Manor to Hunting Lodge
In 1642, the house was sold to the Wyndham family. A man named Thomas Wyndham, who was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Glamorgan, owned the house in the late 1700s. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the government.
Thomas Wyndham decided to rebuild the manor house between 1802 and 1806. He wanted it to look like a castle and use it as a hunting lodge. A hunting lodge is a special house used by people when they go hunting. His wife actually designed the building, possibly taking ideas from another castle called Clearwell Castle.
Changes Over Time
After Thomas Wyndham passed away, his daughter Caroline inherited the estate. In 1810, Caroline married an Irish nobleman named Windham Henry Quin. He later became the 2nd Earl of Dunraven.
Caroline started making big changes to the building in 1858. The main tower was replaced with a glass room called a conservatory. The parts of the house on the north and south sides were also made much bigger. These changes were designed by an architect named Egbert Moxham.
Later Years and Demolition
The castle stayed in the family for many years. It was lived in until after the Second World War. During the war, it was even used as a military hospital, helping soldiers who were injured.
Sadly, the house was taken down, or demolished, in 1963. However, some parts of the castle still remain today. The beautiful walled garden, the gatehouse, and other structures are still there. They are now part of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, a protected area known for its natural beauty and history.
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