Preserving Castell Coch

Cadw have announced an extensive conservation project to remove moisture from the Well Tower at Castell Coch. The damp is causing significant damage to the intricate decorations and fabric of the building.

The work is scheduled to take two years, beginning in spring 2024. Cadw noted, “This phase of work in 2024 will not affect opening times and Castell Coch will remain open but please check our website and our social media channels for updates.”

Cadw have published a “conservation timeline” with links to each project. They explain, “The Well Tower, to the right of the main gatehouse entrance, is constructed of an inner and outer stone wall with a rubble core. Over the years this core had become saturated with water which was sealed in using impervious cement mortar to point the stone.

“As a result, the interior walls are generally damp and even wet in places, resulting in very damp conditions on the interior walls, which is damaging the fabric of the building In spring 2024, scaffolding will be put up and the cement mortar between the building stone removed to allow the inner core of the walls to slowly dry out over the following 12 months. Once we’re satisfied the core has dried out sufficiently, the walls will be re-pointed in a breathable lime mortar.”

I had a tour of the conservation work that took place in 2018. The views from the roof were amazing!

Further campaigns will follow to repair the Kitchen Tower and to begin the painstaking conservation of the interior decoration. We hope you will continue to enjoy exploring the castle, learning about its history and our ongoing commitment to retain the precious interiors of this Gothic Victorian vision; and please ask our on-site teams for more information during your visit.

Cadw

If you’d like more information about this work or about Castell Coch in general, please contact Cadw directly on their website.