Castles

Castles are a huge part of Welsh heritage, and in medieval times there were around 600 castles across Wales. Today around 100 of these castles still stand. Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech, all located in what was once the historic county of Gwynedd in North Wales, were all built on the command of the English king, Edward I, during his attempted conquest of Wales in the 13th century. All four grand structures are designated UNESCO World Heritage Site

Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle – a coastal fortress is one of the most interesting of all North Wales castles. It stands in a commanding position on a rocky outcrop with views across Harlech Beach and Cardigan Bay.

The castle took seven years to build between 1282 and 1289. It has a traditional concentric design which means that it has an outer wall and an inner wall. This added an extra layer of protection and, combined with its location, is why it gained a reputation as an almost impregnable fortress.

When the castle was built, the sea came much closer to the base of the castle than it is now. At the base there would have been a water gate which allowed supplies to be brought in from the sea. This came in useful as the castle fell under siege several times, most famously during the Wars of the Roses when it endured a seven-year siege, during sieges, the staircase allowed ships to deliver fresh food and water to the castle. The famous Welsh song, ‘Men of Harlech’, was composed during this siege.

Today, Harlech Castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is managed by CADW. There’s a small visitor centre at the entrance and you can cross over the new bridge to explore the ruins.

Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle – is a magnificent medieval fortress located in a strategically positioned on the banks of the River Seiont, overlooking the Menai Strait to provide a strong defensive position. Its primary purpose was to assert English authority and serve as the administrative centre for the newly created county of Caernarfonshire.  More recently in 1969 Prince Charles the present King Charles111 was crowned at the investiture ceremony at Caernarfon Castle. The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum is housed in two towers of Caernarfon Castle.

Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris Castle located on the Isle of Anglesey. on the shore of the Menai Strait, a narrow stretch of water separating the island from mainland Wales. Its purpose was to reinforce English control over the region and serve as a symbol of Edward I’s power and authority.

Conwy Castle

Conway Castle – Conwy Castle is a fortification in Conwy, Another of Edwards1 castles, constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, The castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.

Criccieth Castle

Criccieth – situated across the bay from Harlech Unlike most Castles in North Wales, Criccieth was built by a Welsh man Llywelyn the Great and not the English. However, the castle was taken by Edward I during his conquest, but ironically, it was destroyed by the Welsh when the towers were burned by Owain Glyndwr during his revolt.

Dolbadarn Castle

Sits overlooking Llyn Padarn in Llanberis.

Dolwyddelan Castle

Once an ancient link in the defence of the kingdom of Gwynedd.

Castell y Bere

Situated on a jagged rocky outcrop in the Dysynni Valley at the foot of Cader Idris, built to protect Gwynedd’s southern frontier.