Day 9: The Cardiff Castle

The Cardiff Castle
By: Juana Bonnemzon and Olivia Converti

The war time shelters in the Cardiff Castle

Where are they located inside the castle?

Few people realise that within the walls of the Castle are tunnels – tunnels which came into their own as air-raid shelters during the Second World War. It was estimated that more than 1800 people could take shelter within the walls and when the sirens sounded, people who lived and worked in the city would rush to the shelters. Special ramps were built so that people could gain access into the walls quickly. Within the walls there were dormitories with bunks, kitchens, toilets and first aid posts.

Entering the shelters!!!

On the outbreak of World War in 1939, Britain prepared for air raids, and Cardiff Corporation aproached Lord Bute, owner of the castle, asking if he would allow the strong outer walls of the site to be used as bomb shelters. Bute agreed, and these tunnels were divided off into eight large shelters, allowing them to accommodate hundreds of people The exterior walls were broken through, and long wooden ramps gave quick access during an emergency, Inside, civilians sometimes slept in the cold and damp shelters, which also containes an air raid warden’s post, a small canteen and a sleep bay.

Picture of the frame which contains this information

Walking through the spooky corridors of the War time shelters

Selfie with a kitchen

Some posters sticked on the walls of the shelters. They encoured people to stay inside them in
order to stay safe

Reaching the top

The view from the top.

On the photo above we can see how we exit the shelter.

Having some fun!!