 The structural condition survey and strategic appraisal report by Mann Williams was commission by Cadw and the owner, and undertaken in August 2024 although only finalised in November 2024. A year later we have managed to get our hands on it.
The assessment of Ruperra Castle is that it is saveable and repairable. However, the monument has been identified as high risk and multiple highly vulnerable areas have been identified. Failure to take urgent and short term action will allow further deterioration past the ‘point of no return’ where it would no longer be possible to intervene safely to prevent uncontrolled collapse. Urgent actions undertaken within 12-18 months or sooner:
Short term works to be undertaken within 2 to 3 years to prevent progressive degradation and or damage to the structure:
We are very worried that urgent actions to the towers and chimneys did not take place in 2025, and we are now going into another winter. Let’s hope that another tower doesn’t collapse and Ruperra Castle survives until the spring. We continue to engage with Cadw and publicly state our desire to work with the owner if possible. Read the full structural condition survey on the Welsh Government’s website. Please note that Ruperra Castle is privately owned and a very dangerous structure that is at risk of collapse. Trespassers are prohibited and even going near the building or veering off the public right of way puts you at a risk of life. Historic building record In December 2023, Cotswold archaeology undertook a programme of historic building recording for Ruperra Castle, Caerphilly. This includes a photographic and written record, as well as detailed photogrammetry output of building elevations, plus a suite of floor plans.
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 In December 2023, Cotswold archaeology undertook a programme of historic building recording for Ruperra Castle, Caerphilly. This includes a photographic and written record, as well as detailed photogrammetry output of building elevations, plus a suite of floor plans. Ruperra Castle was constructed in 1626 and is a Grade II* Listed Building, a Scheduled Monument and it is situated within the Ruperra Castle Registered Historic Park & Garden. Cotswold Archaeology concludes that the castle represents an important time capsule of the genesis and development of a compact country house that was developed during the early 17th century. The castle is notable as the first such building in Glamorgan to use brick extensively at the time of its initial construction. The importance of the building does not lie solely within its physical fabric. There are tangible links to several notable and recognised architects (or ‘artificers’) of the early 17th century such as John Thorpe and the Smythson family. Whilst neither appear to have had a direct involvement with the building, their influence is evident in several ways. The style of the building and its designation as a ‘sham castle’ places it firmly within a context of both looking backwards to the medieval period and incorporating Elizabethan design philosophies whilst also incorporating a more progressive approach to planning through the adoption of a compact floor plan within a broadly symmetrical exterior. Consequently, Ruperra represents a building of its time that harbours authentic elements that enable it to retain its geographical and chronological context, despite the considerable amount of change and ruination over time. Read the fascinating photographic report by Richard Hardy, Senior Historic Buildings Consultant, on the Cotswold Archaeology website. This historic building record was part funded by a Cadw Ancient Monuments Grant and the owner of Ruperra Castle. Please note that Ruperra Castle is privately owned and a very dangerous structure that is at risk of collapse. Trespassers are prohibited and even going near the building or veering off the public right of way puts you at a risk of life. The Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust was devasted to hear of the passing of Hefin David MS, Caerphilly earlier this month. Hefin was a huge supporter of the trust for more than a decade and massively helped with our events and campaigning to save Ruperra Castle in his constituent borough.  Hefin David and Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Community Councillors Amanda McConnell and Jill Winslade presenting a £300 cheque from the Co-op to the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust in 2016. In 2021 he hosted embroidery workshops at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, and also locally in Caerphilly to involve the local community in creating a new artwork with artist Haf Weighton.
Hefin David and Jayne Bryant Senedd Members, with artist Haf Weighton and trustees of Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust at the Senedd. He supported our 2023 Senedd petition for conservation management plans to be made compulsory for scheduled monuments at risk, and brought others together across parties in the Senedd debate in October 2023. Watch his speech on Senedd.tv which pays tribute to our trust and where he fondly remembers a very wet open doors day in the barn at Ruperra Home Farm. He called for the castle’s owner to come back to the table for discussions and asked for a review of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023. He also championed a structural survey of the castle, which was eventually part funded by Cadw in 2024. Read his speech in the plenary.  Minister Jack Sargeant, Hefin David, John Griffiths MS and members of the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust after the Senedd debate in 2023.
He facilitated numerous meetings over the years with Cadw and Caerphilly County Borough Council officers and Councillors. Most recently in June 2025 he was helping us explore safety on the site to enable use of the public right of way going through the Castle grounds. Hefin was always fair, supportive, optimistic and generous with his time. We are very grateful to Hefin and his colleagues Alex Still and Laura Green for their continued support over the years. He will be greatly missed and our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time. A Caerphilly Council Public Right of Way Committee on Thursday 27 March will decide the fate of public access to view the only pageant castle in Wales. Public right of way LLanfedw FP1 goes through the Castle grounds between the locked gates at the North to the South of the site (black line A to C). This path forms part of the Rhymney River Circular walk, which is enjoyed by many. To continue the walk, you must currently take a path outside the west wall of the Castle grounds which is very steep and uneven at one end, with the other end being very muddy in the winter.  The proposed diversion (dotted line D to C) will take the public about 65m away from the Castle behind an active horse manage and on a very steep embankment, making it substantially less convenient as the public will not be able to enjoy the same views, and it won’t be as accessible. You can view the proposal and associated maps in the public report on this page – agenda item 4. One of the main reasons given for keeping the gates locked and diverting the path is due to safety as the Castle is at risk, but the report does not take into account the recent structural survey undertaken by Cadw in July 2024, and includes a Cadw quote from 2023. Appendix 7 in the papers shows a map which is referred to as a hazard/topple zone - shown below. The main track is partially within the hazard/topple zone which includes a margin for rolling debris and not just the height of the existing walls. There is no context around this map, full risk assessment or any safety mitigations to help with decision making. This also worryingly appears to show part of the Bothy being within the hazard/topple zone. This area was recently granted planning permission for a residential development by Caerphilly Council despite members of the public raising the safety issue at the time.  Only a third of the current route is in a potentially dangerous area and we would like to see the hazard/topple zone redetermined using the most recent structural survey information, which could then see a temporary diversion away from the castle and onto the main track. This is an option that the Caerphilly Council Public Right of Way Committee could consider. The main track will be kept in good condition and the Castle must be made safe as the current hazard/topple zone will be dangerous for the residential development.
The planning permission granted in 2022 to develop the site didn’t show the public right of way on any plans even though Welsh Government guidance for local authorities states that the effect of development on a public right of way is a material consideration in the determination of applications for planning permission and authorities should ensure that the potential consequences are taken into account whenever such applications are considered. Planning Policy Wales (PPW) 2024 defines public rights of way as green infrastructure and states that the planning system must protect the provision of green infrastructure. Get involved Show your support by attending the public meeting at Caerphilly Council Chamber, Penallta House, Tredomen, Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, CF82 7PG on Thursday 27 March at 2pm. You need to arrive before 1.50pm to be admitted to the viewing gallery. View further details, all associated papers online and access the live weblink. If you have any questions please email: [email protected]  Ruperra Castle has played a big part in the history of South East Wales but is currently a ruin at risk of collapse. Join the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust at Ruperra Home Farm to find out more about its interesting past:
Both walks will start and finish at Ruperra Home Farm:
Getting thereRuperra Home Farm can be accessed from the lane between Draethen and Michaelston-y-Fedw, near Lower Machen. We do not give out the postcode to the farm as sat navs will take you off road on tracks which are not suitable for your car. The turn off for the event will be well sign-posted from the closed Hollybush pub in Draethen NP10 8GB. The nearest bus stop is at Lower Machen on the Newport - Caerphilly Road (Service no. 50) about 2 miles from Ruperra Home Farm. Sunday time tables must be checked. Help Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust save Ruperra Castle and surrounding buildings and gardens by campaigning to secure them to use for community benefit, and to ensure a better future for our precious local heritage. Cadw Open DoorsThis September, more than 200 of Wales’ historic sites, landmarks and hidden gems will offer visitors free entry, events or guided tours. It’s all part of Open Doors — Wales’ annual contribution to the European Heritage Days initiative, which invites heritage organisations, private owners, local authorities and others to open their doors or offer activities to the public free of charge during September.
Funded and organised by Cadw, the ever-popular festival of Wales’ built heritage will this year, encourage Welsh residents and visitors alike to explore some of the country’s lesser-known and smaller-scale sites ― several of which are usually closed to the public. Find out more about Open Doors and the events on offer A new planning application has gone in to widen the gate on the South side of the Ruperra site from its original width of 2.85m to over 6.5m with even bigger metal gates obstructing our public right of way – please tell Caerphilly Council you object to these proposals before 2 July.  Public right of way LLanfedw FP1 goes through the Castle grounds between the locked gates at the North to the South of the site (purple line on image). This path forms part of the Rhymney River Circular walk, which is enjoyed by many. To continue the walk, walkers must currently take a path outside the west wall of the Castle grounds which is very steep and uneven at one end, with the other end being very muddy in the winter. Welsh Government guidance for local authorities states that the effect of development on a public right of way is a material consideration in the determination of applications for planning permission and authorities should ensure that the potential consequences are taken into account whenever such applications are considered. Planning Policy Wales (PPW) 2024 defines public rights of way as green infrastructure and states that the planning system must protect the provision of green infrastructure. LLanfedw FP1 isn’t indicated on any of the proposed site plans. The gates proposed are not permitted on a public right of way. They would act as a physical and psychological deterrent to walkers. Different metal gates were previously approved to obstruct this public right of way when the last planning permission was granted with conditions in January 2023 – despite objections, including by Caerphilly’s own Public Rights of Way department. Use your voice to make sure this does not happen again so we can continue to enjoy our heritage, and views of the only pageant castle in Wales. Take a few minutes to send in a comment to object to these gates obstructing our right of way before 2 July. To comment, visit Caerphilly Council’s Planning Portal called Public Access: And search for: 24/0439/FULL: Widen the south drive entrance located within the perimeter boundary wall to the south west of the castle. You can view the associated documents and click on 'comments' to make a comment. You can also view the heritage impact assessment . If you would like to make comments on the impact of widening the gates and the removing part of the Listed wall please search for ref: 24/0440/LBC. Find out more about walks and visiting the area  Join the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust to honour the D-Day 80th anniversary at 19:30 on Thursday 6 June at Machen United Services Club, Forge Road, Machen, Caerphilly CF83 8PH.
The event will include:
Doors open at 19:00 with a 19:30 start. The event is free but donations are welcome for war time food served after the proceedings. To register please email: [email protected] requesting the number of places. Or telephone 01656 741622 before Wednesday 5 June. If you love Ruperra Castle as much as we do, then why not volunteer your time to help us engage the community with its fascinating history. Ruperra Castle was completed by Sir Thomas Morgan of Machen in 1626 and we are starting to research and plan activities to commemorate its 400 years. We need volunteers to help us with planning events and communications to tell stories of this remarkable place. We have recently set up an engagement committee and we would love to attract you to help with ideas, planning and volunteering at events. If you have an interest in the importance of our heritage, history, or the environment, and can spare a couple of hours a month to help us, then please email: [email protected] Ruperra Castle has played a big part in the history of South East Wales...
In 1715 Ruperra Castle became part of the Tredegar House estate and served as a home for its future heirs. In 1935, Evan Morgan was head of the Tredegar estate and Ruperra Castle. He put Ruperra Castle up for sale but there was no interest. The contents of the Castle were disposed of in a three-day sale, what remained was taken to Tredegar House. When World War II broke out Ruperra Castle was requisitioned for the training of soldiers. Tragically the Castle was gutted by fire in 1941 caused by faulty electric wiring and it is now a ruin at risk of collapse. You can’t visit Ruperra Castle as it is privately owned and a dangerous ruin but there are a number of view points from public footpaths, and suggested walks and maps. Find out more about visiting the area  The Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has shared that Cadw is contributing a grant towards a structural survey and level four historic building record for Ruperra Castle. On 29 November 2023, Trustees from the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust met with Deputy Minister Dawn Bowden, Cadw representatives, and Hefin David - Caerphilly MS, to discuss Ruperra Castle and the petition submitted to the Senedd earlier this year. The Deputy Minister shared that Cadw, (the Welsh government’s historic environment service) will be part funding a historic building survey and structural survey of Ruperra Castle which will start this month and be completed before the end of March 2024. This will also include selective de-vegetation so that the standing fabric can be inspected by a conservation accredited structural engineer and a level 4 historic building record produced by a professional historic building specialist. The owner of Ruperra Castle will also be contributing to this work which will give an up-to-date understanding of the condition of the structure, and any defects, to help inform the owner of next steps. Cadw will also be facilitating a meeting with the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust, and the owner of Ruperra Castle, to discuss establishing an agreement for collaborative working. A spokesperson from the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust said, “We are delighted that the structural survey will be taking place as it is the vital first step in securing the castle’s future and will also help to understand a safe area around the castle to get the public right of way re-opened. We are looking forward to meeting the owner of Ruperra Castle to discuss any opportunities for collaborative working. We’d like to thank the Deputy Minister, Cadw, and the owner of Ruperra Castle for making this happen, and are grateful to all our supporters and Members of Senedd that have shown their support and encouragement to raise awareness of this nationally important monument.” Hefin David, Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly said: “This is good progress. I am pleased that Cadw and the Deputy Minister see the importance of supporting the owner and the Trust in working to protect Ruperra Castle, as a piece of our local history. I will continue to work with all parties and I think that a collaborative approach going forward will be a very positive step in keeping these valuable conversations going.” Senedd petition and debateThe meeting with the Deputy Minister followed a Senedd debate in October 2023 asking for conservation management plans to be made compulsory for scheduled monuments at risk like Ruperra Castle.
Deputy Minister Dawn Bowden decided not to make conservation management plans compulsory for the 14% of scheduled monuments at risk in Wales but agreed to meet with members of the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust to discuss the situation at Ruperra Castle further. The debate was recommended by the Senedd Petitions Committee after a petition by the Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust, campaigning to save the Castle, attracted over 10,500 signatures. Find out more about the debate which gained strong cross-party support  Five listed buildings at risk on the Ruperra Castle site are in the high priority action plan. Ruperra Castle is described as "structurally unsound with multiple failures - loss may follow in short term" and is the highest priority for action of the 72 listed buildings at risk in the borough.
Caerphilly Borough County Council is considering a new buildings at risk strategy. On Tuesday 7 November the Corporate and Regeneration Scrutiny Committee will consider the strategy prior to consideration by Cabinet. The Buildings at Risk Register and Strategy sets out a framework for the preservation and enhancement of listed buildings at risk over the period 2023-2028. The 2022 Listed Buildings condition survey commissioned by Cadw covered 433 listed buildings in the Borough. The new strategy considers a holistic approach to groups of buildings wherever possible. Of the 72 buildings identified as "at risk" 31 (43%) are located within one of six distinct groups as follows:
The strategy states that the circumstances of each group means a holistic approach to each site is more likely to produce a positive outcome, however, should an opportunity arise to bring back one building within a group outside of this strategy it should be considered on its own merits. We are pleased to see that Ruperra Castle is first in the High Priority Action Plan in Appendix C page 35 - "Scheduled Monument structurally unsound with multiple failures - loss may follow in short term." The other listed structures at risk in the High Priority Action Plan include:
There are two more listed buildings at risk on site that aren't in the High Priority Action Plan:
View the Buildings at Risk Register and Strategy The meeting will take place on Tuesday 7 November at 17:30 and is agenda item 9. Find out more about the meeting and access the link for the live webcast |
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