The towers and walls of Cardiff Castle have long been admired, but do you know Cardiff Castle at all? What hidden stories lie beneath?
Cardiff Castle is famous for its Victorian architecture and ancient walls, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Yet, underneath lies a lesser-known story – its World War II air raid shelters.
Originally opened to the public in the 1880s to showcase the recently uncovered Roman walls, these tunnels found a new purpose when the war broke out in 1939, becoming a vital refuge for the people of Cardiff.
At the time, many public air raid shelters were hastily built concrete structures, but the Marquis of Bute generously offered the castle’s tunnels as a public shelter. The tunnels could accommodate up to 1,800 people.
To minimize the effects of bomb blasts, the tunnels were divided into smaller sections by brick walls. Although the conditions were basic, one essential facility inside the tunnels was a small kitchen that provided hot drinks and simple food for those seeking refuge.
The kitchen played a crucial role in keeping the people calm during long, tense nights of air raids. A dedicated air raid warden ensured that everyone received their share of food and drinks, which offered warmth and comfort amid the uncertainty.
“This is the first time I’ve learned that Cardiff Castle had such a wartime role,” said Mark Thompson, a visitor from Bristol. “I thought I’d only see the towers and gardens, but the shelters tell a completely different story.”
After the war ended, the Marquis of Bute had the tunnels restored to their pre-war condition, removing the wooden ramps and repairing the damaged exterior. Today, these shelters remain an important part of Cardiff Castle’s history, revealing a hidden side of the castle’s role during one of the darkest times in modern history.