Why was Castell Coch built?

The original fortification was built by a Welsh chieftain in the 13th century on a site chosen for its strategic importance, commanding both the entrance to the Taff valley and the plains below.

By the 19th century the old castle had fallen into ruins and John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute - a wealthy local industrial magnate and landed aristocrat - had the site cleared and the present Gothic Revival castle built on the spot as a grand residence for himself and family in 1871-91.