Caernarfon Castle is one of the most famous and impressive castles in north Wales.
With its polygonal towers, intimidating battlements, and picturesque location alongside the River Seiont, it has a majestic presence that draws visitors from around the world.
The castle has a long and fascinating history stretching back over seven centuries.
Key Historical dates:
- Construction began in 1283 under King Edward I as part of his campaign to conquer North Wales. It was built on the site of an earlier motte and bailey castle.
- Caernarfon Castle was designed to be an impressive symbol of English power and incorporate architectural elements inspired by the Roman Empire.
- In 1301, Edward I’s son Edward II was born here, becoming the first English Prince of Wales. Since then, the castle has been the site of the investiture of numerous Princes of Wales.
- The castle saw several sieges and battles during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century. It held out as one of the last strongholds loyal to the Lancastrian cause.
- In the 17th century, Caernarfon Castle was besieged three times during the English Civil War before surrendering to Parliamentarian forces in 1646.
- In the 20th century, the castle came under the protection of the British state. It underwent preservation work and is now a major tourist attraction under the care of Cadw.
FACT: Caernarfon Castle (Caernarvon Castle spelling isn’t correct. F not V!). There is no v in the Welsh alphabet and is usually pronounced the same way, so is sometimes incorrectly spelt Caernarvon and can be offensive to the Welsh.
The Original Castle and Conquest by Edward I
The original Caernarfon Castle was born out of King Edward I of England’s campaign to conquer North Wales in the late 13th century. In 1283, Edward commenced construction of the imposing castle on the banks of the River Seiont as a statement of English power and domination over the region.
The location was strategically chosen at the western end of the Menai Strait, allowing Edward control over an important river crossing and ability to supply his forces by sea. It was also the site of an earlier Norman motte and bailey castle, making use of the existing fortifications.
English Authority
Edward spent vast sums on Caernarfon Castle, reflecting its importance as a symbol of English authority. Using cutting edge military architecture, the castle was designed with intimidating polygonal towers, multi-coloured banded stonework, and elaborate battlements evoking the walls of Constantinople. The Roman-style design was intended to portray Edward as an emperor reclaiming lost territories.
By 1292, much of North Wales was under English control and Caernarfon formed an integral part of Edward’s ring of formidable castles, which included Conwy, Harlech, and Beaumaris. For centuries after, Caernarfon Castle would serve as a powerful reminder of England’s conquest of the region. The echoes of Edward I’s ambitions remain firmly ingrained in its compelling walls and towers.
Investing the Prince of Wales
In 1301, Edward I ordered the construction of a new tower at Caernarfon Castle to serve as a birthplace for his son and heir, the future Edward II. When Edward II was born there that year, he became the first English Prince of Wales, establishing a tradition that continues to this day.
The title Prince of Wales had originally been held by native Welsh princes before the conquest by Edward I. By investing his son as the Prince of Wales at Caernarfon, Edward intended to symbolise the completion of English authority over the region.
The ceremony included Edward II being presented to the Welsh people on the castle steps. While only a baby, his birth at Caernarfon was meant to show that he was a Welsh prince by right of conquest.
Since the 14th century, Caernarfon Castle has frequently served as the site of the ceremony to name or invest the heir to the British throne as the Prince of Wales. The investiture of Prince Charles, now King Charles II, as the Prince of Wales was held at the castle in 1969.
Through these rituals, the link between Caernarfon and the long history of English and British princes invested as rulers of Wales continues into the present day. The castle remains a powerful reminder of the early subjugation of Wales under Edward I.
Wars of the Roses and Besieging
During the 15th century, Caernarfon Castle became embroiled in the power struggles and battles of the Wars of the Roses between the House of Lancaster and the House of York. Its key strategic location meant that control of Caernarfon was vital for both sides.
In 1460 and 1468, Lancastrian forces held out at Caernarfon against Yorkist attacks. As one of the last remaining strongholds loyal to the Lancastrian cause in the later stages of the wars, the castle endured sieges and assaults.
Finally in 1468, the castle surrendered to the forces of Edward IV of York after a long siege when reinforcements failed to materialise. By this point, the Lancastrian line had been wiped out or exiled after the decisive Battle of Tewkesbury.
Caernarfon Castle’s turbulent history during the Wars of the Roses reflects its importance as a formidable stronghold for any army that controlled North Wales at the time. Like many castles, it changed hands multiple times as a prize of war.
The English Civil War Period
Caernarfon Castle became embroiled in conflict once again during the 17th century English Civil War between Royalist and Parliamentarian forces. Its strategic significance meant controlling Caernarfon was once more critical.
In 1642, Caernarfon was held by Royalists loyal to King Charles I. It was besieged and taken in 1646 by Parliamentarian troops led by Thomas Mytton after a long three-month siege. Just two years later in 1648, Royalists retook it only to be besieged again and surrender to Parliament.
In 1655, one final short two-week siege saw Parliamentarian soldiers retake Caernarfon from a small Royalist force who had rebelled. This marked the end of nearly 15 years of bloodshed centred around the castle.
Like many Welsh castles, Caernarfon was bitterly contested during the Civil War campaigns, changing hands multiple times. Its formidable medieval defences withstood sieges but made little impact on modern 17th century artillery.
Preservation into the Modern Era
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Caernarfon Castle had fallen into neglect and disrepair. In 1908, the site came under the control of the Office of Works to begin preservation efforts.
The castle underwent significant restoration work in the 1950s and 60s to repair damage and make it safe for visitors. In 1986, Caernarfon was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its historical and cultural significance.
Today, Caernarfon Castle is under the stewardship of Cadw, the Welsh government’s historic environment service. It is open to public visitors and has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Wales. With upgraded visitor facilities, it receives over 175,000 annual visitors.
The Enduring Majesty of Caernarfon Castle
The long and illustrious history of Caernarfon Castle has made it one of the most famous and recognisable castles not just in Wales, but the whole of the British Isles. Across over 700 years, it has been an imposing symbol of conquest, a stronghold besieged in numerous wars, and the setting for major royal ceremonies.
From King Edward I’s ambitions to dominate Wales in the 13th century to the modern day when the castle attracts thousands of visitors, Caernarfon has been an integral site. Its scale, architecture and sheer imposing presence on the banks of the River Seiont create an unforgettable impression.
The castle’s turbulent past also provides a compelling window into critical episodes in Welsh and British history, from the investiture of the Prince of Wales to the bitter infighting of the Wars of the Roses and Civil War. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Caernarfon stands as one of the most magnificent medieval castles not just in Wales but globally.
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Caernarfon Castle address Castell Caernarfon, Allt y Castell, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales, LL55 2PG, United Kingdom
