Living Language

This Norman castle holds a special role in Welsh culture. Captured in 1165 by Prince Rhys ap Gruffydd (c. 1132-1197), known as Lord Rhys, who moved his Llys (‘Court’) here in 1171 and rebuilt the motte and bailey in stone. To mark its completion in 1176, Lord Rhys held a competitive international gathering of bards and musicians at Cardigan Castle – widely accepted as the first known incarnation of Wales’ most important cultural festival, the National Eisteddfod, which is still held annually at various locations. The Chair is today awarded to the best strict-metre poet in competition, and is inspired by the tradition of Court Poets. The Castle has recently opened to the public after a £12m restoration. It offers a heritage attraction, restaurant and accommodation, and a sculpture of the first Eisteddfod chair (used in the ‘Chairing of the Bard’ ceremony to award the winning poet).