Ruperra Castle 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.

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.