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Castles |
Gritty, dark-stoned Conwy has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. It was constructed by the English monarch Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as one of his key North Wales fortresses. In comparison to the other great Edwardian castles it is relatively straight forward in design, a reflection of the inherent strength of its siting. Conwy's massive military power springs from the rock on which it stands and seems to grow naturally. Soaring curtain walls and eight huge round towers give the castle an intimidating presence undimmed by the passage of time. The views from the battlements are breathtaking, looking out across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castle's 125ft Great Hall. Conwy's other great medieval glory is its ring of town
walls. It's circuit of walls, over three-quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the world. This outstanding fortress is a World Heritage listed site.
http://www.castlewales.com/conwy.html
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 still,
trumpet in no uncertain terms the intentions of its builder; Edward I. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as
a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace. Its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour-banded walls were designed to echo Constantinople, the imperial power of Rome and the dream-castle, 'the fairest that ever man saw',
of Welsh myth and legend. After all these years, Caernarfon's immense strength remains undimmed. The castle's symbolic status was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born here In 1284.
In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the Investiture of HRH Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. This outstanding fortress is a World Heritage listed site.
http://www.castlewales.com/caernarf.html
Beaumaris is the great unfinished masterpiece. Started in 1295, it was the last of the massive Edwardian fortresses of the 13th century to be built in North Wales, but money ran out before the fortifications reached their full height. Beaumaris is nonetheless an awesome sight, regarded by many as the finest of Edward's Welsh castles.
The King's military architect, the brilliant James of St. George, brought all his experience and inspiration to bear when building this moated castle on the beaumarais (beautiful marsh) overlooking the
Menai Strait. In pure architectural terms Beaumaris, the most technically perfect castle in Britain, has few equals.
It's ingenious and perfectly symmetrical concentric 'walls within walls' design was state of the art for the late 13th century. Built into its plan were no less than four successive lines of fortifications and 14 separate major obstacles that any attacker would have to overcome, together with hundreds of cleverly sited arrow-slits and the deadly use of 'murder holes' to defend entrances. This outstanding fortress is a World Heritage listed site.
http://www.castlewales.com/beaumar.html
Conwy Castle Caernarfon Castle
Beaumaris Castle