Morris Castle

Morris Castle is a four-story stone structure with corner towers and a central courtyard layout in Swansea, Wales. The building consists of several three-story blocks arranged around the inner court and originally contained approximately twenty-four family units.

The structure was built between 1768 and 1775 by industrialist Sir John Morris to house workers from the Treboeth Level colliery and Landore copper works. The project reflected the growing industrialization of South Wales and the need to settle laborers close to production sites.

The building displays unusual features for workers' housing, with corner towers and a courtyard layout reminiscent of fortress design. This style reflects how factory owners of the 1700s shaped their residential complexes for industrial laborers.

The ruins stand on Cnap-llwyd common and are accessible via public pathways that allow entry to the site. Visitors should be cautious and aware of hazards from deteriorating structures and unstable sections throughout the building.

The building was constructed using copper slag and brickwork, materials produced during the local copper processing operations. This reuse of industrial waste demonstrates how closely the architecture was tied to the region's economic activities.

Location: Swansea

Inception: 1774

Floors above the ground: 4

GPS coordinates: 51.65036,-3.93892

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05