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Ruthin Castle

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Introduction

The well-preserved mid-19th-century gardens at Ruthin Castle are situated in and around the ruins of the medieval castle.

Formal and informal pleasure gardens were laid out when a new house was built across the upper and lower baileys of the castle. The whole is set within a landscape park with the River Clywd in the valley. Ruthin Castle is a hotel at the time of writing in 2012.

Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts

Telephone

01824 702664

Website

https://www.ruthincastle.co.uk

Access contact details

Ruthin Castle is a Hotel, Wedding and Conference centre.

Other Websites

History

13th Century

The first documented castle was created by Dafydd, brother of Prince Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, for King Edward I of England in 1277 who gave the fort (that was present on the site) to him in return for his treacherous help during the invasion of North Wales that year. Dafydd also had castles at Caergwle and Denbigh.

It was originally known by the Welsh name of Castell Coch yn yr Gwernfor or The Red Castle in the Great Marsh. It consisted of a pentagonal upper bailey that was around 350ft long & 250ft wide with the floor level on the inside higher than the ground outside, which then sloped down to the river below. The other side of the castle was protected by a deep & wide dry moat.

20th Century

In the early 1960’s Ruthin Castle was purchased at auction & converted into an hotel. One of its most notable guests since was HRH Prince Charles who stayed on his way to his investiture as Prince of Wales (the 21st Prince of Wales since the new title began in 1301).

Period

Victorian (1837-1901)

Features & Designations

Designations

  • Conservation Area

  • Reference: Ruthin

  • CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales

  • Reference: PGW(C) 13
  • Grade: II

  • CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales

  • Reference: Gate lodge
  • Grade: II

Features

  • Castle (featured building)
  • Earliest Date:
  • Latest Date:
  • Ruin
  • Description: The ruins of Ruthin Castle
  • Earliest Date:
Key Information

Type

Country Estate

Purpose

Ornamental

Principal Building

Hotel

Period

Victorian (1837-1901)

Survival

Extant

Open to the public

Yes

References

References

  • Cadw and ICOMOS UK, 'Ruthin Castle' in {Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Clwyd} (Cardiff: Cadw, 1995), pp. 232-4
  • Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, 'Ruthin Castle Gardens, Ruthin', [accessed 1 October 2007]