Rebels

Originally a Roman fort, a 12th century motte and bailey at Cardiff Castle was built to secure Norman rule in south Glamorgan. Replaced in stone soon after, it represents the continuous conflict with Welsh Princes and nobles at this time. Ifor ap Meurig (c. 1170), better known as Ifor Bach, controlled an estate all the way from north Cardiff to the heads of the valleys. According to Gerald of Wales (1146-1223), the land grabbing of incumbent Norman, William Fitz Robert - Earl of Gloucester, infuriated Ifor Bach and his small band of warriors. Scaling the walls of Cardiff Castle using their bare hands, they seized Fitz Robert and his family and demanded the return of their lands. Ifor Bach succeeded, and released his hostages unharmed. Cardiff’s best music venue, Clwb Ifor Bach, is named after him. ‘Clwb’ has inspired many Welsh writers, including poet Rhys Iorwerth who wrote the popular poem Y Ferch wrth y Bar yng Nghlwb Ifor (‘the Girl by the Bar in Clwb Ifor’).