Caernarfon
 Castles |
Caernarfon Castle is situated on the right bank of the River Seiont, close to the southern end of the Menai Strait, Built by Edward I, it overlooks the ancient town of Caernarfon. As with other castle-towns in Wales, Caernarfon is renowned for the impressive and well-preserved castle ruins.
The Castle was built between 1283 and 1330, as another link in Edward I's defensive chain of fortresses in Wales. It was built by Henry de Elreton, who also built Beaumaris Castle. The layout is of two oval-shaped courts divided by an inner wall, with the curtain wall strengthened at intervals by 150ft high drum towers. The thickness of the multi-coloured walls range from 9-15ft, from the top of which allow a wonderful view of both river and town. The Queen's Tower, named after Eleanor, wife of Edward I, contains the museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. The history of the Castle is presented in the Eagle Tower. During the British Civil War, the castle remained one of Cromwell's loyal strongholds.
Caernarfon is the ceremonial capital of Wales, and after Edward I's son, the later Edward II, was born in the castle in 1284, he was, in 1301, presented to the Welsh people as the first English prince of Wales. In 1911 the Duke of Windsor and, again in 1969 Prince Charles, were invested in the castle with the same title, Prince of Wales.
The old town has its own walls, which extend from those of the castle to encircle a maze of narrow streets full of ancient houses, shops and inns. The 14th century Church of St Mary is particularly fascinating.
The remains of the Roman fort of Segontium are located half a mile to the south east at Llanbeblig Hill. The fort dates back to about AD75. On the site is a museum, in which are displays of various Roman finds left behind by the Roman legionaries. Llanbeblig Church, built in the 13th century on the site of a Roman burial ground, is dedicated to St Peblig, traditionally believed to have been the uncle of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. The Church has a tower with stepped battlements, a fine oak roof and a 16th century altar tomb.
The rocky outcrop of Twt Hill is half a mile to the north east of Caernarfon where Bronze Age settlers once had a fortress, long before the arrival of the Romans. From the top of the hill superb views of Snowdonia, the Menai Strait, Anglesey and of course Caernarfon Castle can be seen.
For further information see - http://www.caernarfon-castle.co.uk/