Artistic vision for Ruperra Castle

South Wales artist, Haf Weighton, reveals her latest artwork, a reborn Ruperra Castle and gardens, involving members of the Senedd and the local community in visualising a future for the ruin.

Reborn Ruperra Castle and gardens - artist Haf Weighton, photo Booker T Photography

Ruperra Castle has played a big part in the history of South East Wales but is currently a ruin at risk of collapse. We want to ensure a better future for Ruperra Castle, and the precious listed surrounding buildings and gardens, by campaigning to secure them to use for community benefit. 

We are working with Haf to help others visualise a future for this important monument.

The community is invited to finish the artwork by creating a “stitched” person and help imagine a secure future for Ruperra to be enjoyed by generations. There are two opportunities to take part:

• 25 May between 10:00 and 14:00 in the Oriel Gallery, Senedd Cymru, Welsh Parliament, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, CF99 1SN - no need to book, just turn up
• 1 June at 10:30 in Rudry Parish Hall - hear more about the Trust’s vision for the future and walk to view the Castle. Booking is essential 

Hefin David MS said, “As MS for Caerphilly, Ruperra Castle is a very special place for me. Located in a beautiful newly designated greenbelt between Cardiff, Newport and Caerphilly town, it is a place to be cherished and I know that many of my constituents walk and cycle in the area. It is wonderful to see the local community engaging in a vision for the Castle’s future which I hope can be secured very soon.”

Artist Haf Weighton said, “I am so proud to be associated with Ruperra. I grew up in Lisvane and as a child I loved walking around the old ruins and imagining Ruperra in its former glory. I am delighted to be helping the local community to visualise how the castle could look once its new vision is finally realised.”
Find out more about Haf Weighton

Cloe up of Reborn Ruperra Castle and gardens - artist Haf Weighton, photo Booker T Photography

Our vision is to protect Ruperra Castle and the environment and landscape around this historic site from inappropriate development. We want to own the Castle and use a range of funding streams to: 

• repair the Castle as a roofed ruin so that it can be preserved for future generations 
• manage the gardens, grounds and outbuildings with a live-in caretaker 
• use it as a base for heritage, archaeology, gardening, and skills training
• commemorate key periods in its history
• encourage sustainable public access.

Read our vision

​With thanks to Booker T Photography