The Marcher lords and Caerphilly Castle

From 1067 Norman lords pushed into south Wales, building Chepstow and Cardiff castles and ruling their March almost as independent princes. In 1268 Gilbert de Clare began Caerphilly to check Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales, who burned the first works in 1270. Rebuilt behind artificial lakes and concentric walls, it spreads over some 12 hectares. Edward I's conquest of 1282–83 ended Welsh independence.