Former homeless ex-serviceman ordered to demolish self-built Welsh hill castle
A former homeless ex-serviceman is facing the heartbreaking task of dismantling the incredible ‘dry stone wall’ castle he built in rural Wales after being instructed to do so by local council officials.
With the UK’s housing crisis escalating, many individuals living on the streets have resorted to creating makeshift shelters to seek refuge from the elements. However, one ex-soldier, Mikey Allen, took his shelter to the next level by constructing a fully-fledged castle. Despite being homeless for about eighteen months, Mikey was inspired to embark on this ambitious project in 2019.
Using the precision craftsmanship of a dry-stone wall, Mikey’s castle stands proudly in the Gwent mountains in Caerphilly. He described his motivation for the project on urban explorer David Burnip’s Wandering Turnip YouTube channel, stating that collecting stones helped him channel his emotions and cope with challenging times.
Mikey viewed the construction of his castle as a form of therapy and self-expression, setting out to gather stones until physically exhausted, allowing him to unleash his creativity once inner peace was restored. Although the local community appreciated Mikey’s monumental creation, and he had the landowner’s permission to build it, he now finds himself at odds with the local council.
The castle, which attracted around 10,000 visitors, has been deemed to be on land designated for agricultural use, leading authorities to demand its removal along with any associated structures to restore the land to its original state. While the popularity of Mikey’s castle grew, resembling a miniature version of Caerphilly Castle located 15 miles away, which was constructed in the 13th century by Gilbert de Clare, it is now facing demolition.
Throughout its existence, Mikey’s castle became a cherished spot for local families, offering a serene setting for picnics during lockdown periods. However, the council insists that the building poses safety concerns and must be taken down. Mikey is now painstakingly dismantling the castle, acknowledging that its short-lived presence hosted events like a Welsh Male Voice Choir performance and the playful spectacle of seven donkeys on its roof.
A spokesperson for Caerphilly County Borough Council acknowledged the community support for Mikey’s project but stressed the importance of enforcing planning regulations consistently. The council aims to work collaboratively with Mikey and the landowner to ensure compliance with the enforcement notice promptly.
Mikey’s castle, born out of adversity and nurtured by creativity, stands as a testament to resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity. As he bravely faces the task of undoing his craftsmanship, the echoes of his castle will remain in the memories of those who admired its fleeting grandeur.