Morris Castle
Sightseeing attraction | Swansea | Wales | United Kingdom
Historical site in Swansea
The "Morris Castle" in Swansea, Wales, is a fascinating historical landmark, also known as "Castle Graig". This ruin of a residential building is located on the Cnap-Llwyd hill in the Trewyddfa district and is considered one of the earliest examples of a multi-family housing for workers in Great Britain. Built between 1768 and 1774 by Sir John Morris, an influential industrialist and partner of Lockwood, Morris & Co., it was intended to provide accommodation for the families of his workers, who mainly worked at the nearby copper works of Landore and the Treboeth coal mine. Today, only the remains of two towers stand, but the ruin tells a story of innovation, industrial development, and the challenges of early worker housing.
Industrial architecture in Wales
Originally designed as a square building with four four-story towers connected by three-story link buildings enclosing a central courtyard, the Morris Castle could accommodate about 24 family apartments and was built from local sandstone, with decorative elements such as battlements, cornerstones, and bands of copper slag and brickwork added. The design resembled a fortified castle, giving it an imposing appearance while also serving as a striking landmark for the nearby Clasemont estate, Morris' residence. This architectural choice was not only functional but also contributed to the dramatic landscape, described by visitors as "wild and romantic".
Worker housing for families
Despite its impressive appearance, the Morris Castle proved impractical for its residents. The elevated location on the hill meant that workers had to climb steep ascents after long shifts, which was particularly burdensome after a 12-hour workday. Additionally, the water supply at the exposed site was unreliable, further complicating the daily lives of the families. By the late 1770s, the building had lost popularity, and Sir John Morris responded by building a new settlement with conventional cottages on lower-lying land – later known as Morriston, named after him. By the mid-19th century, the Morris Castle was largely abandoned, and later mining activities in the area contributed to its decay as stones were taken for other construction projects.
Earliest examples of worker housing UK
In 1815, Walter Davies and Edward Williams praised Sir John Morris as the "most influential individual builder of comfortable housing for the working class" in their survey of the economy of South Wales. They described the Morris Castle as a "tall, castle-like residence with a collegiate appearance", providing homes for 40 families – mainly miners, except for a tailor and a cobbler. This early form of worker housing was an innovative attempt to improve the living conditions of industrial workers, but practical difficulties led to its failure. By 1877, the building was already described as a ruin, and a severe storm in January 1990 caused the collapse of the eastern wall, leaving only parts of two towers standing today.
Industrial development in Swansea
Despite its dilapidated state, the remains of the Morris Castle are impressive. Visitors can still recognize features such as fireplaces, window openings, and parts of the original walls, providing an impression of the former structure. The ruin is located in a residential area surrounded by modern houses, but the elevated position still offers a wide view over the city and the surrounding landscape, underscoring its historical role as a landmark. Since 1976, the Morris Castle has been designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw, recognizing its national significance as an early example of worker housing. A year later, Swansea City Council purchased the site from the Beaufort Estate, but limited measures have been taken so far to make the site more accessible to visitors.
The surroundings of the Morris Castle also tell of Swansea's industrial past. The city was a center for copper processing and coal mining in the 18th and 19th centuries, with Sir John Morris playing a key role in this development. His influence extended beyond the founding of Morriston to the design of the landscape around his works, with the Castle intended as part of a larger ensemble of industry and residential structures. For visitors, the ruin offers an opportunity to experience this history and reflect on the challenges of early industrial life, while the view connects to the modern city.
The Morris Castle is more than just a decaying structure – it is a window into Swansea's social and industrial history. It represents an attempt to improve the living conditions of workers, but also shows the limits of such early experiments. For history enthusiasts and those seeking to understand the development of the Industrial Revolution, it is a rewarding destination that has maintained an impressive presence despite its decay.
