Margam Castle

Margam Castle is a country house with Gothic Revival architecture in Wales, rising over two floors with an octagonal tower and featuring Gothic design elements throughout its exterior walls and windows. The sandstone building defines the estate with its characteristic details and careful craftsmanship.

Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot commissioned architect Thomas Hopper to design this residence, which was built between 1830 and 1840. The ambitious building project shows the architectural tastes and wealth of the family during that period.

The castle served as a subject for early photography experiments by William Henry Fox Talbot, who captured one of the first photographs in Wales here in 1841. This connection to photography history makes the building an important witness to visual documentation in the 1800s.

The entrance hallway and staircase hall are open to visitors, while other rooms within the castle host various events and gatherings. It helps to check availability in advance, as access can change depending on the event schedule.

A fire in 1977 destroyed much of the interior, which led to an extensive restoration program. This careful rebuilding preserved the building for future generations and shows the craftsmanship of modern restoration work.

Location: Margam

Inception: 1830

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Floors above the ground: 2

Elevation above the sea: 59 m

Part of: Margam Estate

Website: http://margamcountrypark.co.uk/1998

GPS coordinates: 51.56280,-3.72540

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:04