1093

References to a castle established by Earl Roger de Montgomery at the Teifi estuary may refer to the site at Old Castle, a mile downstream. The present Castle has been continuously occupied since 1110, when a wooden castle was built here by Gilbert fitz Richard de Clare.

1165

In early November, Rhys ap Gruffydd (Lord Rhys) captures the Castle using scaling ladders and demolishes it. He then moves his chief court here in 1171 and begins to rebuild the Castle in stone for the first time. This is believed to be the first stone castle ever built by a Welshman. To celebrate the completion of his new castle, Lord Rhys hosts what is now accepted as the first Eisteddfod.

1254

After a series of both failed and successful captures between 1215 and 1245, Prince Edward receives Cardigan Castle on 14th February. King Edward then makes Cardigan the County Town of Cardiganshire in 1279.

1428-29

Major renovations to Cardigan Castle take place under Prince Henry’s ownership.

1644

The Castle is besieged and captured by Parliamentarians under General Laugharne. In 1645 Royalists besiege Cardigan Castle, leaving Cardigan Bridge partially demolished. The Royalists are defeated and the Castle is left slighted and burned.

1808

Most of the present Castle Green House is built, then extended in 1827 with the addition of the front range.

1984

Castle Green House declared unfit for human habitation. Miss Wood moves into a caravan in the grounds, before leaving the castle in 1999 and moving into a local nursing home.

2001

Local paper, The Tivy-Side Advertiser, starts a ‘Save the Castle’ campaign. The Castle is then bought by Ceredigion County Council in 2003.

2011

Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust receives much-needed grants from funders, including the Heritage Lottery Fund and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through Welsh Government, to restore Cardigan Castle. The Castle is rebirthed as a heritage attraction, which incorporates the onsite restaurant, 1176, accommodation in the houses within the site and the East Wing of Castle Green House as well as being an events venue.

2015

Cardigan Castle opened its doors to the public in 2015 after a comprehensive restoration project. The restoration of the Castle was a major undertaking that cost around £12 million and was supported by multiple funding sources. The Heritage Lottery Fund provided a substantial grant. Additional funding came from the European Regional Development Fund, Cadw and contributions from Ceredigion County Council and private donors.

The restoration work won several awards and is often credited for preserving the Castle’s heritage while making it accessible for future generations