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English
Welsh
When you walk through the Castle Gardens today, you might feel calm and relaxed.
These gardens would have looked and felt very different in the early 1900s when they were transformed for the war effort.
Life for women changed a lot because men were away at war.
The Women’s Land Army recruited women for farming work.
They were called ‘Land Girls’ and replaced male farmers and gardeners who had become soldiers
Food shortages were a big worry during the war.
Britain couldn’t ship food in from other countries because of German attacks.
Some Land Girls were sent to live at St Fagans Castle where they worked to grow food. This happened in both the first and second world wars.
In the 1940s, the Fig border at the top of the terraces was planted with hundreds of lettuces.
A vinery and peach wall provided fresh fruit.
Decorative gardens were left to grow over.
During the First World War, these gardens were called War Gardens or Food Gardens for Defence.
The slogan ‘Dig for Victory’ was launched to encourage people to grow more food.
At St Fagans, Land Girls also went to work at Llwyn-Yr-Eos farm and did heavy manual work.
Welcome to the Wartimes at St Fagans trail!
St Fagans is a living history museum where you can explore the past and learn about how people lived….
The Chapel
Every town and village in Wales had at least one chapel. These were important community hubs in the past…
Hugh Pettigrew
In 1897, The Earl appointed a man called Hugh Pettigrew as Head Gardener at St Fagans Castle…
The Dovecot
This Dovecot was used by the Plymouth family who used to keep pigeons for their meat and eggs…
The Rosery
Head gardener, Hugh Pettrigrew, planned the rosery in 1898. He filled the garden with more than 100 types of roses…
Castle Gardens
These gardens would have looked and felt very different in the early 1900s when they were transformed for the war effort…
St Fagans Castle
The castle played an important role in the First World War and was used as a training ground for the Red Cross in 1910…
Project funders
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
The Secret Garden is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to work with adults with learning disabilities and other additional needs to explore the rich history of Ysgubor Fawr cottage and nurture its garden.
