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English
Welsh
St Fagans Castle played an important role during the First World War.
The Earl of Plymouth and his wife were both very active in the war effort.
They offered the castle as a training ground for the Red Cross’s Voluntary Aid detachment in 1910.
Hundreds of volunteers came to learn life-saving first aid skills.
This was to prepare them in case a war broke out.
In 1916 they gave permission for the castle’s banqueting hall to be used as an auxiliary hospital.
The hospital had 70 beds. Many of the nurses also worked as housemaids for the Plymouth family!
The Plymouths bought a gramophone and a piano to keep the soldiers entertained. The gardens helped wounded soldiers rest and recover during their stay.
The soldiers also made jewellery and sold their work to raise funds for prisoners of war.
Their youngest son Archer died in action on the 26th August 1914. Maybe this explains why they wanted to help other soldiers.
This building was turned into something useful to help the war effort.
It reminds us of the pandemic and how Principality Stadium was turned into a hospital and Cardiff City Stadium became a vaccination centre.
Do you know of any other buildings that were transformed into something different in a time of need?
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.
