Oystermouth Castle's makeover brings new lease of life
| Posted: July 17, 2011
Oystermouth Castle
IT may have been forgotten and even ignored by some, but now Oystermouth Castle has truly been brought back to life.
The mediaeval fortress overlooking Mumbles, which was burned to the ground twice by rebellious Welsh princes and was known as 'Camelot' by the ancient lords of Gower, has reopened to the public. And the family-fun event held at the castle to mark the first phase of a £1.7 million conservation scheme paid for by groups including Swansea Council, the Heritage Fund and the Welsh Government, was more than a success.
Mumbles was packed with families and tours of the castle, which dates back to the 12th Century, were a sell-out.
Treasurer for the Friends of Oystermouth Castle David Stevens said: "Tickets sold out in 20 minutes it was so popular."
In a 2003 report, Cadw labelled the grade one-listed monument as being the castle in the worst condition of those that were open to the public in Wales. It concluded that restoration work was critical to avoid its inevitable closure, with the works aimed at returning access to 95 per cent of its public area.
The castle and its counterpart in Swansea's city centre are seen as important visitor attractions.
Swansea council leader Chris Holley said of Oystermouth: "It is one of the most famous landmarks in the area with a fascinating history."
The first phase of the conservation scheme features upgraded visitor facilities, an educational space and access improvements. It also includes a 30ft high glass viewing platform and bridge that give access to a part of the castle called Alina's Chapel for the first time in centuries.
Saturday's event included falconry, live mediaeval music, archery displays and archaeology digs, among other fun activities for youngsters.
Claire Jones, 35, from West Cross, said: "It is really nice to see the castle open again.
"My five-year-old daughter really enjoyed herself although we were too late to get on a tour and so we will be bringing her back again."
Eiry Davies, 32, from Pontyberem, said: "We have had a great time. It is good that they have restored the castle."
Refreshments were also provided by local businesses.
Elizabeth Vancura, from Cwtch Cakes, said: "It is nice to see the castle open and fantastic to see so many people here. Mumbles was heaving."
Oystermouth Castle currently welcomes about 5,000 visitors a year, but the target is to attract many more by 2014.
Swansea Council is also planning to reopen the long closed city-centre Swansea Castle to the public. It is part of a scheme to offer Swansea's rich heritage of Norman castles including those at Pennard, Weobley, Penrice and Oxwich to tourists.
gill.roberts@swwmedia.co.uk
Comments
Spending millions of taxpayers' money on illegal immigrant, ethnic minority castles and slipping out the news whilst most people are distracted by the Murdoch saga. What a disgrace. No Taxation Without Rebeccanisation. Contact your local Druid now and complain!!
It was very badly organised. The falconry exhibition was amazing, although there was one problem; they couldn't be bothered to tell the crowds to keep a respectful silence while these birds showed their glory. Sadly it was the parents who couldn't keep quiet and I had to tell a gang of mummy's and daddy's to "shut it". I was also witness to the falconer being struck on the arm and wounded by a sharp sword, while it just missed me and a little boy standing next to me, it also came crashing down on the black boxes which were housing the birds of prey. Yes it's great to see the castle open. But the organisers did an appalling job.