Country: United Kingdom
Key Area: Buildings
Services: Heritage,Structural Engineering

Opus is appointed by CADW, the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment division, to undertake conservation work at Caerphilly Castle, which, stretching over a thirty-acre site is the largest in Britain after Windsor.

Recent work has involved restoring the south west tower, adding a new conical stone roof and reinstating oak floors to the full height remains. This restoration work will enable the future opening of the tower to the public. The tower is expected to house an exhibition for visitors to the castle.

An interesting feature of the work at the tower was a furniture ‘pod’, enabling the castle to store the ornate furniture used at banquets, in a controlled environment free from any damp and temperature excesses.

We carried out conservation and stabilisation work in the Great Hall and the State Apartments in which the King rested during his visit to Caerphilly. 

Archaeologists recently excavated the area of the castle which would have housed the kitchen and brewhouse, and we have also undertaken stabilisation work to the masonry in this area.

We are now creating a new walkway from the de Braose gallery to the inner east gatehouse, allowing the gatehouse to be opened for visitors for the first time. The gatehouse requires considerable conservation work together with the introduction of new oak floors at first and second floor levels.

Public interest in this castle has continued to grow since the airing of the BBC series Young Dracula, which was filmed at Caerphilly Castle.