Venues across Caerphilly County Borough will be opening up in September as part of the European Heritage’s Open Doors programme.
Organised each year by the Civic Trust for Wales, the scheme allows people access to buildings not normally open to the public. Those that are usually open put on a special event.
Huw Lewis, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, said “Wales enjoys a rich heritage and Open Doors is a fantastic opportunity for people to explore it. The Welsh Government is committed to making the country’s history as accessible as possible and I urge everyone to see what properties are open in their area. There is a significant variety of sites and events this year spread across all local authority areas of Wales during Open Doors”.
Open Doors is organised by the Civic Trust for Wales, on behalf of Cadw, the Welsh
Government’s historic environment service. The programme is part of European Heritage Days.
Throughout September 50 countries across Europe celebrate architecture and build heritage.
The following is taken from the Civic Trust in Wales website.
Caerphilly
Caerphilly Castle (Cadw) September 10, 10am to 4pm One of the largest medieval fortresses in Britain, begun in 1268 by the Anglo-Norman marcher lord, Gilbert de Clare. Concentrically planned, the rings of stone and water defences are formidable even today. Famous for its ‘leaning tower’. Impressive great hall, now used for various functions. Fiery Jack and Alchemy will perform from the marquee. There will be magic shows and storytelling. Outside there will be a dragon parade. Visitors can wander into the Great Hall where they can view a room set for banquet. Harpists and minstrels will be performing. There will be video clips of the son et lumiere “illuminata” which is due to return in December. CF83 1JD
United Reformed Church, Van Road September 17, 10am to 4pm Crosskeys
Cwmcarn Forest September 17, 10am Guided walk to the historic Twmbarlwm hill-fort. Meet at the Visitor Centre. The walk will take up to three hours. It is strenuous and you will need walking boots. From the M4 or A465 follow the brown signs for Forest/Scenic drive. Draethen
Ruperra Castle September 11, guided walk at 11am The castle is privately owned and not accessible. The walk will enable visitors to view the castle from the adjoining woodland and public paths. It was built in 1626 by Sir Thomas Morgan of Machen. It is the only Jacobean chivalric castle in Wales. King Charles stayed here in 1645 after his defeat at Naseby. In 1941 fire burned out the castle. The Ruperra Castle Preservation Trust hopes to buy and consolidate the ruins. Meet at the Coed Ruperra car park on the Michaelston-Draethen road. The walk covers six miles and uses steep and muddy paths. The walk is subject to good weather (contact 01656 741622 or 07713 634854 to confirm). Nelson
Llancaiach Fawr September 20, 21, (tours 2pm, 3.30pm – Places limited – please book- 01443 412248/email) Llancaiach is a semi-fortified gentry house. It was built around 1550 for the Prichard family. It has been restored to a mid 17th-century layout and furnishings. The house is set in formal gardens and working gardens. CF46 6ER Newbridge
September 17, 12pm to 5pm The “Memo” includes the Celynen Collieries Institute (1907) and the Memorial Hall (1924), with dance hall, art deco theatre and cinema auditorium. Find out about the rich history of these buildings and the impending restoration project. Members of the restoration team will answer your questions and explain how the restored building will become a focal point for the local community and its heritage. We will offer information about volunteering with the project and ways for young people to become involved. New Tredegar
September 24, 10am to 5pm (engine working 12, 3) Behind the scenes at Caerphilly’s new museum with our Friends and volunteers. See the historic winding engine in action. NP24 6EG Senghenydd
Aber Valley Heritage Museum: Memories of Aber Valley event September 19, 11am to 3pm This is a small museum dedicated to the rich heritage of Senghenydd and Abertridwr, in the Aber Valley, near Caerphilly. The museum commemorates the area’s industrial past. Displays are dedicated to the Universal Colliery at Senghenydd, the scene of two devastating explosions in 1901 and 1913. In 1901, 81 miners were killed (with just one survivor). This was followed in 1913 by Britain’s worst mining disaster. This claimed the lives of 439 workers (some of them boys of 14) and one rescuer. Displays based on artefacts, newspapers and photographs, together with archive films, document the disasters. There are touchscreens which contain hundreds of images showing the people of the valley, local landmarks and buildings through the years. We are holding a memories event. Visitors will be able to watch archive films and share their own memories of local life. Free refreshments. On street parking. CF83 4HA
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