The Keep, Cardiff Castle. - A photograph taken from '107 Views of Cardiff and District' published in the early 1900's from the Penarth Dock Collection.[001] [328] My little guide book 'Cardiff, Penarth and Environs' [403] of 1897 describes Cardiff Castle thus:-

'The visitor will find much to interest in this remnant of bygone days. The name of the town is said to be taken from this, Caertaff or daf - the castle on the Taff, which played a prominent part in the past history of the district. The old-time remains date back to the eleventh century, when the Norman chief, Fitz Hamon, built or rather rebuilt this castle in a substantial manner.

Cardiff Castle. - . Another fine photograph taken from '107 Views of Cardiff and District'. [001] [328]

'In the year 1090 Jestyn ap Gwrgan was at war with Rhys ap Tewdwr, Prince of South Wales, and not being able to conquer him he sought help by means of one Eineon from the Normans, and Fitz Hamon, Earl of Gloucester, came to his assistance. Jestyn, however, had promised Eineon the hand of his daughter as a reward for his services, but when Rhys had been defeated and the victory secured he was by no means anxious to fulfil his promise. Eineon therefore sought the help of these allies again on his own account, and as they were on board their ships at Penarth awaiting a favourable wind to return, he had no difficulty in inducing Fitz Hamon to return. The result was that Eineon got his promised bride, Jestyn fled to Somerset, and Fitz Hamon established himself in his place, building the castle, portions of which are now in existence, he then proceeded to divide the land among his followers, but reserved Cardiff and various manors for himself. A few years later, however, the Welsh revolted against him, and he was then obliged to yield to their demands.' [403]

Cardiff Castle. - The former home of the Welsh College of Music and Drama where I was taught trumpet by Mr. Ivor Bosanko attaining grade eight in four years. Thanks Ivor! He was the bandmaster for the Canton Salvation Army and a fine professional trumpet player at the Welsh National Opera. He moved to the U.S. to became a renowned bandmaster within the Salvation Army over the pond in sunny California. The lower image has been colourised. [001] [328]

Cardiff Castle in Winter, - A postcard addressed to a Miss. M. Wilkins at Catcott, near Bridgewater, Somerset and post-marked August 1904. A view of the castle across the River Taff on a snowy winter day. Another period postcard plus colourised version from the Penarth Dock Collection. [001]

'The castle has passed through various hands, finally falling to the Windsor family, and thence to the Marquis of Bute. It has undergone considerable alterations, so much so that very little of the original structure now remains. The clock tower is a remarkable feature, and a valuable modern addition. There is also a noted library, and the castle forms an attractive residence for the Marquis of Bute. Visitors are admitted to view the castle on payment of a small fee at all times when the family is not in residence.' [403]