Former soldier, Mikey Allen’s extraordinary journey from homelessness to building a castle by hand in the Gwent mountains near Caerphilly has captured the attention of many. After being without a home for 18 months, Allen embarked on constructing his fortress as a New Year’s resolution in 2019. His story recently came to light through an appearance on urban explorer David Burnip’s YouTube channel.
Using the meticulous skill of a dry-stone waller, Allen loaded a military Bergen with stones weighing between 30 to 60kg to create his castle. He found solace in collecting stones as a way to channel his emotions and eventually turned his pile of stones into an incredible structure. The therapeutic aspect of the project allowed him to express his creativity once he felt at peace.
Despite gaining admiration from the local community and having the landowner’s approval, Allen faced challenges from the local council. With over 10,000 visitors flocking to see his castle, the council deemed the land as being used for recreational purposes, insisting that the castle and all traces of it needed to be removed.
The short-lived castle became a beloved spot for families, hosting events like a Welsh Male Voice Choir performance and even having seven donkeys on the roof. However, the local council asserts that the structure is not safe and must be dismantled. Allen is now working on dismantling the castle per the council’s instructions.
While Allen’s castle may be coming down, its impact on the community and his journey from homelessness to creating a remarkable landmark is a testament to resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. Mikey Allen’s story serves as a reminder that even in the most challenging circumstances, perseverance and determination can lead to remarkable achievements.