On the clock tower of Cardiff Castle is a wonderful collection of Astronomical (or astrological) figures. Here is a little photo gallery of the figures. I will do a separate blog about Cardiff Castle and its history in the near future. Although the castle dates back to Roman times, most of what one sees these days was built by the Third Marquess of Bute in the late 1800s, with the clock tower itself being built in 1868.
The clock tower shows statues of figures representing the Sun, the Moon, and all 5 “naked eye” planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. In a separate blog I will show photographs of the sumptuous interior of the castle, including a room in the clock tower which has a star-painted ceiling and many astronomical motifs.
Which is your favourite castle?
My favourite castle is the one in Ahrensburg, though only because I used to live nearby. (I suppose it’s really a cross between a Renaissance castle and a manor house.)
I’ll have to look up what that one looks like. The nearest castle to where I grew up is Pembroke Castle, where Edward VII was born.
Check the link!
Surely the statues on Cardiff Castle clock tower are astrological, not astronomical?
The sculptures show the seven “astrological planets” – the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.
The Third Earl of Bute, who rebuilt the castle, had an interest in astrology. His father, the Second Earl of Bute, was more rational and was a Fellow of the RAS.
Well, I think you’re being overly pedantic Bryn. Yes, the 7 objects are the most visible naked eye astronomical objects and the most important astrological ones. I used the term “astronomical” because I didn’t want my blog showing up in searches involving the term “astrology”. But maybe I should add that, and increase my traffic đŸ˜›
Changes made đŸ™‚
I wasn’t suggesting that you make changes at all. I was just indicating my disapproval of the confused thinking of the Third Earl of Bute.
Confused? Or enlightened? đŸ™‚
Anyone who believes in astrology is confused.
That’s putting it politely.
[…] few weeks ago I blogged about the astronomical/astrological figures on the clock tower of Cardiff Castle. Just in front of the castle, on the wall which runs along the […]