The Leaning Tower of Caerphilly

Pisa, stand aside! The Leaning Tower of Caerphilly leans more than yours does. Back in 2007 Wales Online proudly proclaimed:

The Leaning Tower of Pisa has long been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most lop-sided building in the world.  But Welsh Assembly Government Heritage officials say Caerphilly Castle’s ruined south east tower leans TWICE as much.

I haven't sought out a recent copy of The Guinness Book of Records, but suspect that Pisa may still hold the accolade as theirs is free standing, rather than being part of a larger structure. But Caerphilly surely holds the record for the wonkiest castle tower.

Pisa's famous tower wobbled because of poor foundations. Why Caerphilly's should lean at such a crazy angle depends on whose story you believe. Locals will tell you that Oliver Cromwell and his Parliamentarians are to blame, when they besieged the castle in 1646, towards the end of the Civil War. Wikipedia says it's due to subsidence. Perhaps all that water eventually took its toll. Thankfully, the tower's future is now secure as this guy (left) is employed full-time to hold it up. I asked him for a few comments but he was concentrating too hard on his job.

The glories of Caerphilly Castle were unknown to me until a few weeks ago. Fancying a respite from long-distance hiking and mountain climbing, I scanned my Cadw smartphone app for possible destinations and chose this one, the largest castle in Wales.  I wasn't disappointed, for the setting is truly magnificent, with broad expanses of water on two sides.

I arrived in Caerphilly at midday, so before exploring the castle went in search of lunch, settling on this place. It looks rather cluttered from the front, and when I was there a gang of guys in posh suits were drawing up plans to refurbish the interior, but the food was excellent...

... and on this gloriously sunny day the view from the pub garden was pretty good too. As you may imagine, I took a long time to eat my cod & chips and sip my half pint of Welsh ale.