Metal Windows and Doors By Bronze Casements

Heritage Windows In The Restoration of Roch Castle

Roch Castle is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales and dates back to the second half of the 13th century. The castle was badly damaged by Cromwell’s troops in the 17th Century and has since been in a gradual state of decline. In September 2008 the Retreats Group Trust brought Roch Castle and in February 2009, it awarded the contract for its restoration and refurbishment to Welsh Heritage Construction.

The architects appointed to the restoration project were Acanthus Holden and they approached Vale’s Architectural Bronze division with regards to replacing the existing and much deteriorated windows. After lengthy discussions with Welsh Heritage Construction, it was decided that the Heritage windows were best suited for the project as it was principally designed for use on Historic buildings where a very fine extrusion was required.

The next step of restoring this beautiful piece of Welsh heritage was to survey the castle. The task of surveying was not for the faint hearted as some parts of the historical castle are up to six storeys high.

Welsh Heritage requested that we should try and re-use as many of the original handles and stays as possible and due to the handmade nature of our casements, we have found that we are able to meet their request on a large number of the new opening heritage windows.

The heritage windows are due to be installed throughout July and we are proud that our Heritage Bronze Casements will help play a part in bringing this wonderful piece of Welsh history back to life.

The first known inhabitant of Roch Castle was Adam de Rupe, a Norman Knight. A historic legend recounts that Adam de Rupe erected his castle on a rock (said to be volcanic), as a local witch foretold him that he would be killed by a vipers bite. His precaution was in vain as he met his fate when a viper concealed in a bundle of firewood fulfilled the prophecy.

Roch Castle is due to reopen later this year as a luxury corporate retreat. However, previous guests at this historic masterpiece are said to have had their sleep disturbed by the noise of running footsteps in locked rooms. If stories are to be believed, it is the sound of Lucy Walter, first mistress of Charles II and resident at Roch Castle during the 1630’s that can be heard.