What was the purpose of 'Castell Coch'?

Friar Tuck

Friar Tuck says: http://www.castlegate.net/CASTLES/coch/ gives plenty of info Thu Mar 20 13:12:55 CST 2003 This well-known fairytale folly overlooking the Taff in southern Wales, Castell Coch probably began its life as a simpler 13th-century native Welsh castle. Gilbert de Clare (also known as Gilbert 'the Red') is likely the later builder responsible for the finer additions to the castle (the fact-lift). Castell Coch, which means 'Red Castle' remained a romantic ruin until is was restored as a folly in the 1870s by the 3rd Marquess of Bute (a real 'bute'). Thu Mar 20 15:03:06 CST 2003 (Reposted as one entry - McG) Mar 26 03, 9:00 AM