Caernarfon
 Castles |
Situated on the right bank of the River Seiont, close to the southern end of the Menai Strait, Edward I's impressive castle stands guard, with the ancient town of Caernarfon clustered beneath its ramparts. As with other castle-towns in Wales, Caernarfon is renowned for the impressive and well-preserved castle ruins.
Caernarfon Castle was built between 1283 and 1330, as another link in Edward I's defensive chain of fortresses; the responsibility for its construction was given to Henry de Elreton, the builder of 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 multi-coloured walls range in thickness from 9-15ft, and allow of 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; amongst the relics and regalia on show are 8 Victoria Crosses. In the Eagle Tower the history of Caernarfon Castle is presented in a display. During the English 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 shelters behind its own walls, which extend from those of the castle to enclose a maze of narrow streets crowded with ancient houses, shops and inns. The 14th century Church of St Mary incorporates a corner of the defences.
Half a mile to the south east at Llanbeblig Hill, are the remains of the Roman fort of Segontium, dating from about AD75. On the site is a museum, wherein are displays of Roman finds including pottery, weapons and personal items, left to posterity by the 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.
Half a mile to the north east of Caernarfon is Twt Hill, a rocky outcrop, where Bronze Age settlers once had a fortress, long before the arrival of the Romans. The hilltop offers superb views of Snowdonia, the Menai Strait, Anglesey and of course Caernarfon Castle.