A historic colourway at a Welsh castle has been brought to light more than a century after it was first applied.

Specialists working on Cadw’s preservation initiative at the 19th-century storybook fortress have identified the authentic hue, shedding fresh light on the Victorian conception behind the landmark.

Cadw’s head, Dr Kate Roberts, observed that the monument had enchanted guests for decades with its striking turrets and picturesque location, yet the prominent crimson decoration that inspired its very name had progressively strayed from William Burges’ initial design throughout 135 years of subsequent painting.

The meticulous investigation has enabled experts to establish precisely what that scarlet tone resembled when the structure was originally finished.

She expressed that it is deeply gratifying to think future admirers will encounter something much nearer to Burges’ true intent.

Constructed on behalf of the third Marquess of Bute and created by William Burges from 1875 to 1881, Castell Coch remains an exemplary achievement of Victorian fantasy architecture.

The stronghold’s characteristic scarlet wooden elements had grown considerably darker through generations of repainting, moving away from Burges’ intended palette.

Paint specialist Lisa Oestreicher catalogued as many as 16 separate decoration periods, ultimately determining the inaugural tone was a reddish-orange.

One crucial specimen was located under a balcony railing adjacent to Lady Margaret’s chamber in the kitchen tower.

The freshly recreated pigment, now designated Castell Coch Red 2025, will be employed for all upcoming external decoration work.

Project architect Michael Davies noted that numerous paint specimens had been created and considerable debate had taken place, yet the team was delighted to finally be reverting to the crimson shade Burges had applied 135 years prior.

Preservation activities at Castell Coch have encompassed restoration of its outer walls and chimney stacks since 2018.