Castles & Town Walls of King Edward - Gwynedd
Designated a World Heritage Site in 1986.
The castles of Beaumaris and Harlech, and military fortifications of Caernarfon and Conwy, were mainly built by King Edward I in the 13th century. These extremely well-preserved structures demonstrate the methods used by the English between 1272-1307 to colonise North Wales and suppress Welsh independence.
Beaumaris is the great unfinished masterpiece. Started in 1295, it was the last of the massive 13th century fortresses built by Edward I in North Wales, but money ran out before the fortifications reached their full height. Nonetheless Beaumaris is an awesome sight, regarded by many as the finest of Edward's Welsh castles.
Like an all-seeing lookout, spectacularly sited Harlech Castle gazes out across land and sea, keeping a watchful eye over Snowdonia. The fortress' massive inner walls and towers still stand almost to their full height. Views from its lofty battlements are some of the best in Wales.
Ironically, in 1404 this seat of English power was taken by Welsh leader Owain Glyndŵr who went on to hold a parliament here. A long siege here during the Wars of the Roses inspired the stirring song 'Men of Harlech'.
Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most striking medieval monument in Wales. Its sheer scale and commanding presence set it apart from the rest and, to this day, gives a clear indication of Edward's intentions when he built it.
Building began in 1283 and was a definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace. Symbolic status was assured when Edward's son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284.
Conwy Castle, with its 8 towers, overlooks the Conwy estuary and is part of one of the finest examples of a medieval walled town in Europe. This was the most expensive castle Edward built. The layout of the castle was dictated by the shape of the rock on which it was built. The interior was divided into two separate wards, the outer ward containing buildings such as the Great Hall and the inner ward housing the Royal apartments.
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