Ruperra Castle

Heritage Site in Glamorgan

Wales

Ruperra Castle

Church of St Michael and All Angels, Lower Machen
Church of St Michael and All Angels, Lower Machen Credit: Alan Hughes

Ruperra Castle is a historical landmark located in the county of Glamorgan, Wales. Situated on a hilltop near the village of Rudry, it overlooks the scenic surroundings of the Rhymney Valley. The castle, originally constructed in the early 17th century, was built as a fortified manor house by Sir Thomas Morgan, a prominent member of the Welsh gentry.

The castle's architecture is a stunning example of Jacobean style, characterized by its symmetrical design and intricate detailing. The building is constructed primarily of local stone, with a distinctive facade featuring large mullioned windows and a grand entrance porch. The interior of the castle boasts an impressive great hall, multiple reception rooms, and ornamental fireplaces, showcasing the elegance and opulence of the era.

Throughout its history, Ruperra Castle has witnessed several significant events. During the English Civil War in the mid-17th century, the castle was occupied by Parliamentary forces and later suffered damage during a Royalist siege. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times and underwent various modifications and additions.

Unfortunately, in 1941, Ruperra Castle was severely damaged by a fire, leaving only the outer shell and ruins of the building. Despite this destruction, the castle remains an important heritage site, attracting visitors from around the world. Today, efforts are being made to preserve and restore the castle, with ongoing restoration work to stabilize the remaining structure.

Ruperra Castle stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural heritage of Glamorgan. Its picturesque location, combined with its historical significance, make it a popular destination for history enthusiasts and visitors interested in exploring the captivating past of Wales.

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Ruperra Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.572/-3.133 or Grid Reference ST2186. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Church of St Michael and All Angels, Lower Machen
Church of St Michael and All Angels, Lower Machen
Footpath towards Draethen
Footpath towards Draethen
Track junction near Draethen
Track junction near Draethen
The Hollybush, Draethen Closed in March / April 2020 - a victim of Covid.
The Hollybush, Draethen
Closed in March / April 2020 - a victim of Covid.
Pub sign - The Hollybush Inn A sign of the times - closed due to Covid.
Pub sign - The Hollybush Inn
A sign of the times - closed due to Covid.
Road near Ty Gawla Bach
Road near Ty Gawla Bach
Entrance to Ty Gawla Bach
Entrance to Ty Gawla Bach
Crynant Farm
Crynant Farm
Approaching Tynant Farm
Approaching Tynant Farm
The village of Draethen
The village of Draethen
The Arbour on Craig Ruperra The discovery of an old map with the word "Arbour" and what is assumed to be a semicircular bench for the weary climber to rest at the top of an incline has inspired this arty seat in the same location.
The Arbour on Craig Ruperra
The discovery of an old map with the word "Arbour" and what is assumed to be a semicircular bench for the weary climber to rest at the top of an incline has inspired this arty seat in the same location.
Ruined Glasshouse at Ruperra Castle Visible through the fence from the immediately adjacent lane, these glasshouses are now almost entirely overgrown.
Ruined Glasshouse at Ruperra Castle
Visible through the fence from the immediately adjacent lane, these glasshouses are now almost entirely overgrown.
Ruperra Castle It looks like the public right of way used to pass directly through the grounds of this long abandoned grand house but it is now blocked off and the path has been diverted around the outer wall. Given the cracked and crumbling state of the "castle" itself I'm not surprised. 
The house was built in the 1600s, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 1700s and finally burned again in the war when soldiers were accommodated in it. A very similar story to <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1764576">SS6299 : Council Offices, Penllergare wood, Swansea</a>
Ruperra Castle
It looks like the public right of way used to pass directly through the grounds of this long abandoned grand house but it is now blocked off and the path has been diverted around the outer wall. Given the cracked and crumbling state of the "castle" itself I'm not surprised. The house was built in the 1600s, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 1700s and finally burned again in the war when soldiers were accommodated in it. A very similar story to SS6299 : Council Offices, Penllergare wood, Swansea
Motte on Craig Ruperra A long history has seen this spot used as an iron age hill fort, a medieval motte, a tower and the summer house for the estate below.
The wall visible at the top is the result of recent restoration in 2006.
Motte on Craig Ruperra
A long history has seen this spot used as an iron age hill fort, a medieval motte, a tower and the summer house for the estate below. The wall visible at the top is the result of recent restoration in 2006.
On top of the motte on Craig Ruperra Once here you can see why this has been such an important fort. Even on a hazy evening like this, to the south the view extends to Cardiff and beyond, out to the islands of Flatholm and Steepholm. Further east I could make out Newport transporter bridge and from north to east is a view of much of the Rhymney valley. 
View More Sizes for a wider panorama.
On top of the motte on Craig Ruperra
Once here you can see why this has been such an important fort. Even on a hazy evening like this, to the south the view extends to Cardiff and beyond, out to the islands of Flatholm and Steepholm. Further east I could make out Newport transporter bridge and from north to east is a view of much of the Rhymney valley. View More Sizes for a wider panorama.
Farmland by Cefn Mabley Woods A footpath passes through this field, descending to the bottom of the field on the far side.
Farmland by Cefn Mabley Woods
A footpath passes through this field, descending to the bottom of the field on the far side.
The Hollybush, Draethen
The Hollybush, Draethen
Above Draethen View over Draethen and the Rhymney valley from a footpath just below Coed Craig-Ruperra.
Above Draethen
View over Draethen and the Rhymney valley from a footpath just below Coed Craig-Ruperra.
Show me another place!

Ruperra Castle is located at Grid Ref: ST2186 (Lat: 51.572, Lng: -3.133)

Unitary Authority: Caerphilly

Police Authority: Gwent

What 3 Words

///from.neck.bump. Near Machen, Caerphilly

Related Wikis

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.572,-3.133
Direction: SE
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 5
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.5748042/-3.1368998
Direction: SW
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 9
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.5748167/-3.1370004
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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