#cadw — Public Fediverse posts on home.social

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-05-13 · 18:46 UTC

Mindless vandals spray offensive graffiti all over ancient Llansteffan Castle — and police want to know who did it

Someone decided to take a can of blue spray paint to one of west Wales’s most iconic castles. Now Dyfed-Powys Police want to know who.

Officers from the Rural Crime Team are investigating after offensive graffiti was discovered daubed across the walls of the North Tower and East Bastion at Castell Llansteffan — believed to have been sprayed at some point between 1 and 10 May.

The damage includes offensive language sprayed directly onto the ancient stonework that has stood on its hilltop overlooking the Tywi estuary for the best part of nine centuries. The pictures speak for themselves.

Damage to the stonework at Castell Llansteffan. Picture: Dyfed-Powys PoliceThe ancient stonework of Castell Llansteffan. Picture: Dyfed-Powys PoliceThe historic walls of Castell Llansteffan. Picture: Dyfed-Powys Police

Llansteffan Castle is a Grade I listed monument in the care of Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. It dates to the Norman period — the first fortifications were built in the 12th century — and the distinctive stone walls of the North Tower and East Bastion are among the most recognisable elements of the structure.

For generations of local families and visitors from across the world, the castle has been a place to walk, explore and connect with the remarkable history of this stretch of Carmarthenshire coastline. The idea that someone thought it was an appropriate place to scrawl abuse will strike most people as beyond comprehension.

What makes it worse is that heritage crime — as this kind of damage is classified — is not a minor offence. Dyfed-Powys Police describe it as any unlawful activity which harms historic assets, and say it is treated with the same seriousness as criminal damage anywhere else.

The castle is thought to have been raised by Norman invaders soon after 1100 AD.
(Image: CADW)

The spray paint could cause lasting damage to the medieval stonework. Removing graffiti from ancient masonry is a painstaking, expensive and sometimes impossible process — specialist conservators are often needed, and heavy-handed removal can cause more damage than the graffiti itself.

Cadw and local conservation groups have invested significantly in maintaining sites like Llansteffan in recent years. The castle attracts thousands of visitors annually and is one of the highlights of the Carmarthenshire coast for walkers doing the Wales Coast Path.

Heritage crime is on the rise across Wales. Historic buildings, ancient monuments, listed walls and scheduled sites have all been targeted in recent years — and authorities are increasingly treating attacks on irreplaceable historic assets as a priority area of enforcement.

The castle of Llansteffan stands in a wonderfully picturesque location, crowning the top of a well-defined headland looking out over the broad sand-flats of the Tywi estuary.
(Image: CADW)

Vandalism at Neath Abbey prompted a similar plea from authorities, who urged the public to help protect historic sites from those who have no regard for their significance.

Dyfed-Powys Police have not released information about suspects and are appealing to anyone who saw anything at the site between 1 and 10 May to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to report it online to Dyfed-Powys Police quoting reference number 26000373428, or by calling 101. If a heritage crime is happening now, call 999.

Heritage crime and rural crime in west Wales

Public urged to help protect historic sites after vandalism at Neath Abbey
A similar appeal after one of Neath’s most historic monuments was targeted by vandals.

Family winched to safety after tide forces them up cliff near Llansteffan
A reminder of why Llansteffan draws visitors — and the dramatic coastline that surrounds the castle.

#CADW #DyfedPowysPolice #Grade1ScheduledMonument #graffiti #heritageCrime #Llansteffan #LlansteffanCastle #ruralCrime

#cadw #dyfedpowyspolice #grade1scheduledmonument #graffiti #heritagecrime #llansteffan

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-05-06 · 11:05 UTC

SWANSEA: Grade I listed Guildhall finally gets roof fix — after plastic sheeting and a bucket became a fixture in the foyer

Now Swansea Council has applied for listed building consent to fix the problem — replacing sections of the roof at the Guildhall with a new waterproof system designed to match work already completed on other parts of the building.

The Grade I listed Guildhall, built between 1930 and 1934 using Portland stone, has been plagued by water penetration despite its grand and sturdy appearance.

Leaks have been identified at multiple points across the building — including from a skylight above the law courts and from timber and metal frame windows in various locations.

A sheet of plastic sheeting hangs from the ceiling down to a blue bucket on the steps of Swansea Guildhall, capturing water from leaks in the Grade I listed building’s roof. Picture: Swansea Bay News

The proposed works will see sections of roof above the law courts and the Brangwyn Hall replaced, along with new skylights and refurbished windows.

Some windows will be removed and taken away for specialist restoration off-site.

Re-pointing work is also planned as part of the application.

Discussions have already taken place with Welsh heritage body Cadw and the council’s own conservation officer ahead of the submission — reflecting the building’s protected status and the care required for any works on a Grade I listed structure.

A heritage impact assessment submitted alongside the application said the new roofing system would ensure the long-term water tightness of the building’s fabric.

The Guildhall was listed at Grade I in 1994 — the highest level of protection available in Wales, reserved for buildings of exceptional interest.

As well as housing council offices and law courts, it is home to the Brangwyn Hall — one of Wales’s finest art deco interiors, which hosts concerts, civic events and, most recently, Swansea Pride.

The hall is also a regular venue for election counts and declarations, including Friday’s Senedd results.

The building was extended twice after its original construction, with a central lawn built over during the later phases.

It has also been used as a film and television set on numerous occasions, with its distinctive clock tower and Portland stone facade lending itself to period productions.

The council said when the leaks were first reported last December that it was committed to rectifying the issue as quickly as possible.

The Guildhall and Brangwyn Hall

All our Guildhall coverage
Our full archive of stories about one of Swansea’s most iconic buildings.

All our Brangwyn Hall coverage
News, events and features from the magnificent art deco hall at the heart of Swansea’s civic life.

Swansea Pride returns on 16 May — with a Lady Gaga tribute headline act
The Guildhall and Brangwyn Hall host one of Swansea’s biggest free events this month.

#buildingRepairs #CADW #Grade1Listed #Guildhall #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

#buildingrepairs #cadw #grade1listed #guildhall #swansea #swanseacouncil

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-03-15 · 19:49 UTC

HOP INTO HISTORY: Knight School and circus skills coming to Kidwelly Castle this Easter

The historic site will play host to a “Knight School” and a special circus skills workshop as part of a national spring programme from Cadw, welcoming families from across the region.

Kidwelly Castle will be transformed on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29, with “Juggling Jim” leading the hands-on fun for all ages.

Young explorers can take part in three light-hearted challenges at the Knight School between 11am and 1pm to complete their training.

From 1.30pm, the focus will shift to circus skills, with visitors given the chance to try their hand at juggling, diabolo, and plate spinning in the castle grounds.

The fun continues from Monday, March 30, with a week-long “Easter Quiz” trail that invites everyone to explore the fortress in a whole new way.

Participants will have to hunt for hidden Easter characters and unscramble a secret word to claim a special prize at the gift shop.

Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: “The Easter break is a brilliant opportunity for families to explore the remarkable history that surrounds them.”

She added: “We’ve designed a varied and engaging calendar of events that encourages visitors to get outdoors and connect with Welsh heritage.”

Cadw has also confirmed that children go free with any adult membership, offering extra value for those planning multiple days out this spring.

The Kidwelly events are part of a wider national programme that includes medieval tournaments and falconry displays at various historic sites.

The castle will be open from 9.30am to 5pm throughout the Easter holidays, with the special quiz trail running until Sunday, April 5.

For more information and to plan your visit to one of Wales’ most striking medieval fortresses, head to the official Cadw website.

#CADW #Carmarthenshire #Easter #FamilyEvents #JugglingJim #Kidwelly #KidwellyCastle #KnightSchool

#cadw #carmarthenshire #easter #familyevents #jugglingjim #kidwelly

Editor @[email protected] · 2026-02-23 · 00:01 UTC

ST DAVID’S DAY: Free entry to Kidwelly Castle and St Davids Bishop’s Palace as part of Wales-wide heritage scheme

Kidwelly Castle in Carmarthenshire and St Davids Bishop’s Palace in Pembrokeshire are among 17 historic sites across Wales offering free entry on Sunday, 1 March to celebrate the nation’s patron saint.

The scheme is run by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, which normally charges admission to the sites. In lieu of payment, visitors are being asked to consider a voluntary donation to Wales Air Ambulance, though there is no obligation to donate.

How to Claim Free Tickets

Visitors must book their free tickets online in advance through Cadw’s website. Tickets will be sent to the email address provided at checkout, and visitors must bring proof of booking on the day of their visit.

First Minister Eluned Morgan said:

“St David’s Day is such an important opportunity for celebrating everything that makes Wales a special nation with our unique identity and culture. Visiting a Cadw site is a fantastic way to celebrate Dydd Gwyl Dewi and learn more about Wales’ incredible history.”

Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, said:

“I am so pleased that Cadw will, again, be giving away free entry tickets for St David’s Day. Visiting one of these special places filled with history is a fantastic way to celebrate what makes Wales unique. I’d urge anyone interested to book their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”

The impressive gatehouse at Kidwelly Castle, which features a drawbridge and portcullis. The Norman stronghold is one of 17 Welsh heritage sites offering free tickets this St David’s Day. Image: CADW

About Kidwelly Castle

Norman stronghold is a match for the greatest castles of Wales

Kidwelly Castle began in the early 12th century as a Norman ‘ringwork’ castle made of wood and protected only by an earthen bank and ditch. It was under constant attack by Welsh princes including the Lord Rhys, who captured it in 1159.

By the 1280s the Chaworth brothers, powerful Marcher lords, had created the stone ‘castle within a castle’ that still stands today. The fortress features a great gatehouse with drawbridge and portcullis, and four towers of the inner ward creating a “true killing zone” for attackers.

The castle is so impressive it appears in the very first scene of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’. Even the forces of Owain Glyndŵr couldn’t break through its defences.

Location: Castle Road, Kidwelly SA17 5BQ More information: Visit Cadw’s Kidwelly Castle page

Visitors exploring St Davids Bishop’s Palace in Pembrokeshire, with St Davids Cathedral visible in the background. The medieval palace will offer free entry on St David’s Day (1 March). Image: CADW

About St Davids Bishop’s Palace

Magnificent medieval palace that rivalled its cathedral for glory

There was only one top job for an ambitious cleric in medieval Wales: Bishop of St Davids in Pembrokeshire. A 12th-century pope had decreed that two trips to St Davids were equal to one to Rome, turning it into a centre of pilgrimage for the entire Western world.

Between 1328 and 1347, Bishop Henry de Gower turned a building only fit for ‘servants and animals’ into an immense palace. The east range was his private domain, whilst the south range was for show and ceremony. It was here in the great hall that Bishop Henry dispensed justice, held feasts and welcomed distinguished pilgrims.

The Reformation marked the beginning of the end, with William Barlow, first Protestant Bishop of St Davids, allegedly stripping the lead from the roofs himself. But even as a ruin, this palace beside its glorious cathedral remains an awe-inspiring space.

Location: The Close, St Davids, Pembrokeshire SA62 6PE More information: Visit Cadw’s St Davids Bishop’s Palace page

Supporting Wales Air Ambulance

Abi Pearce, Wales Air Ambulance Corporate Partnership Manager for South Wales, said:

“People can enjoy visiting some of Wales’ most iconic historic sites on St David’s Day, knowing they are helping save lives! We are hugely grateful that all visitors to Cadw sites will be granted free access and we hope they donate to our lifesaving service. Since our launch in 2001, we have carried out over 55,000 missions.”

Visitors wishing to donate to Wales Air Ambulance can do so at www.justgiving.com/page/llywodraeth-cymru-welsh-government-4.

Full List of Sites Offering Free Entry

The following Cadw sites can be entered for free on Sunday, 1 March 2026:

Beaumaris Castle
Blaenafon Ironworks
Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths
Castell Caernarfon
Caerphilly Castle
Castell Coch
Chepstow Castle
Castell Conwy
Castell Cricieth
Denbigh Castle
Castell Harlech
Kidwelly Castle
Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House
Raglan Castle
St Davids Bishop’s Palace
Tintern Abbey
Tretower Court and Castle

To book your free tickets, visit cadw.gov.wales and select your chosen site.

#CADW #Charity #Kidwelly #KidwellyCastle #StDavidSDay #StDavids #StDavidsBishopSPalace #WalesAirAmbulance #WelshGovernment

#cadw #charity #kidwelly #kidwellycastle #stdavidsday #stdavids

Editor @[email protected] · 2025-11-08 · 14:24 UTC

Historic Kidwelly bridge and dam damaged as Carmarthenshire begins flood recovery

Damage to Kidwelly’s tinworks bridge and dam

The Kidwelly old tinplate works bridge and dam, a Scheduled Monument on the Afon Gwendraeth Fach, suffered visible structural loss during the severe flooding.

Carmarthenshire Council says survey work has not yet started due to high water levels, but from what can be observed at a safe distance there appears to be substantial loss to the upper section of the dam structure. Elevated water levels have been recorded across the scheduled area.

Fast‑flowing floodwater surges past the damaged Kidwelly bridge and dam, which remain closed for public safety.
(Image: Jac Lewis)

The authority says it will work with Cadw and Natural Resources Wales to agree next steps and secure permissions for clearance and stabilising works. The land around the dam and Gwenllian Pool has been closed for public safety, with residents advised to stay away.

The bridge and dam form part of the Kidwelly Tinplate Industrial Museum, which remains closed while restoration plans are developed.

Emergency works at Glangwili factory bridge

Carmarthenshire Council says emergency clearance and structural assessments are due to begin on Factory Bridge in Bronwydd from Monday 10 November.

Flood debris has built up around the bridge, forcing its closure. The council says specialist contractors and operational crews will remove the material and carry out safety checks, with work expected to last five days.

Overhead power and fibre optic cables will be temporarily adjusted to allow machinery access. The council has thanked residents for their patience while the work is carried out.

Debris piled against Glangwili factory bridge in Bronwydd, where Carmarthenshire Council says emergency clearance work is underway.
(Image: Carmarthenshire Council)

Countywide response and support

Carmarthenshire Council says highways crews handled more than 400 incident reports and tackled 175 separate flooding events during the peak of the flooding. Fourteen crews worked overnight with additional pumps deployed to manage rising water levels.

Support services were also stretched. The council says Delta Wellbeing, its arms‑length care provider, received 128 out‑of‑hours calls, while the contact centre answered 630 calls in a single day. Housing and social care teams arranged temporary accommodation and welfare checks, including support for more than 40 residents evacuated from St Davids Avenue in Whitland, with 20 given alternative housing.

In total, Carmarthenshire Council says 189 households and 32 businesses have reported being affected. A hardship emergency fund has been set up, offering £500 payments to households that have been internally flooded, and an additional £1,000 for those without insurance. Assistance is also available for removing damaged goods and furniture, though residents are urged to contact insurers first.

Council Leader Cllr Darren Price said:

“There is no doubt that the impact of this flooding has been significant for many, and I’m grateful to local communities throughout Carmarthenshire for coming together and showing such resilience. The Council continues to support those in need, with practical support and financial assistance available.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Flooding devastates Carmarthenshire dog sanctuary
Fire crews rescued 34 animals after severe flooding left Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary under water.

£12,300 raised for Glanrhyd Dog Sanctuary
Supporters rallied to raise thousands after Kidwelly floods left animals stranded at the sanctuary.

Landslide washes away Carmarthenshire cycle path
Heavy rain triggered a landslide that destroyed part of a popular cycle route in the county.

#Bronwydd #CADW #Carmarthenshire #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CarmarthenshireCountyCouncil #CllrDarrenPrice #Environment #FactoryBridge #flooding #Grade1ScheduledMonument #GwenllianPool #Kidwelly #KidwellyIndustrialMuseum #KidwellyTinworks #NaturalResourcesWales

#bronwydd #cadw #carmarthenshire #carmarthenshirecouncil #carmarthenshirecountycouncil #cllrdarrenprice

UK @[email protected] · 2025-09-14 · 07:44 UTC

https://www.europesays.com/uk/423154/ 12 shows, events and family activities you can’t miss in Swansea this autumn #Britain #Cadw #Events #GreatBritain #Halloween #HalloweenEventsWales #MaxBoyce #Swansea #SwanseaArena #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaFestivalOfMusicAndArts #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales

#wales #unitedkingdom #uk #swanseafestivalofmusicandarts #swanseacouncil #swanseaarena

Druid 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 @[email protected] · 2025-09-08 · 08:13 UTC

These people disgust me.

BBC News: Community shocked as rare medieval stones damaged. #Cymru #Wales #Cadw

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czjv7pjdzgpo

#cymru #wales #cadw

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Stuart Bain @[email protected] · 2025-05-18 · 17:05 UTC

I joined a really enjoyable history walk yesterday learning about the sieges at Coity Castle and King Arthur’s ‘real’ burial site within Coed-Y-Mwster. There are some really attractive rights of way all around the area 💚🥾🥾. #Coity #Coety #Castle #Castell #KingArthur #Bridgend #Wales #Cymru #Cadw

#coity #coety #castle #castell #kingarthur #bridgend

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Stuart Bain @[email protected] · 2025-05-18 · 17:05 UTC

I joined a really enjoyable history walk yesterday learning about the sieges at Coity Castle and King Arthur’s ‘real’ burial site within Coed-Y-Mwster. There are some really attractive rights of way all around the area 💚🥾🥾. #Coity #Coety #Castle #Castell #KingArthur #Bridgend #Wales #Cymru #Cadw

#coity #coety #castle #castell #kingarthur #bridgend

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Stuart Bain @[email protected] · 2025-05-18 · 17:05 UTC

I joined a really enjoyable history walk yesterday learning about the sieges at Coity Castle and King Arthur’s ‘real’ burial site within Coed-Y-Mwster. There are some really attractive rights of way all around the area 💚🥾🥾. #Coity #Coety #Castle #Castell #KingArthur #Bridgend #Wales #Cymru #Cadw

#coity #coety #castle #castell #kingarthur #bridgend

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Stuart Bain @[email protected] · 2025-05-18 · 17:05 UTC

I joined a really enjoyable history walk yesterday learning about the sieges at Coity Castle and King Arthur’s ‘real’ burial site within Coed-Y-Mwster. There are some really attractive rights of way all around the area 💚🥾🥾. #Coity #Coety #Castle #Castell #KingArthur #Bridgend #Wales #Cymru #Cadw

#cadw #cymru #wales #bridgend #kingarthur #castell

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Stuart Bain @[email protected] · 2025-05-18 · 17:05 UTC

I joined a really enjoyable history walk yesterday learning about the sieges at Coity Castle and King Arthur’s ‘real’ burial site within Coed-Y-Mwster. There are some really attractive rights of way all around the area 💚🥾🥾. #Coity #Coety #Castle #Castell #KingArthur #Bridgend #Wales #Cymru #Cadw

#coity #coety #castle #castell #kingarthur #bridgend

Jenny Mathiasson @[email protected] · 2025-05-12 · 13:16 UTC

Someone told me about a collab between #TransportForWales and #Cadw, the #Welsh #heritage body.

You get 2-for-1 entry at their sites if you travel there via #train, and judging by the little guide I saw, it's ENTIRELY possible. (So pipe down, car people.)

This is on offer until 30 September 2025, so hop on a train with a friend or partner or child and visit somewhere historic!

You can read more here if you fancy it (I do!): https://tfw.wales/ways-to-travel/rail/savings-and-offers/cadw

#travel #Wales #PublicTransport

#transportforwales #cadw #welsh #heritage #train #travel

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿Stuart Bain @[email protected] · 2025-05-04 · 17:12 UTC