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The Enduring Mystique of Welsh Caernarfon Castle

Caernarforn Castle Histories and Castles
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The imposing Welsh Caernarfon Castle has commanded the landscape along the North Wales coastline for over 800 years.

Caernarforn Castle Histories and Castles

With its distinctive polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and integral role in British history, this iconic fortress has long occupied an important place in the nation’s heritage.

Built by King Edward I when he conquered North Wales in the 13th century, Caernarfon Castle became a symbol of English royal power. However, its origins stretch back much further as a site of local Welsh legend and myth. Throughout its long existence, stories of otherworldly omens, ghosts and hidden secrets have accumulated around Welsh Caernarfon Castle.

These enduring legends contribute to the mesmerising aura that clings to this historic castle to this day. Exploring the captivating blend of rich history and imagination makes a visit to Welsh Caernarfon Castle a one-of-a-kind experience.

A Site Steeped in History

Construction on Caernarfon Castle began in 1283 under the direct orders of Edward I, who had ambition to establish a seat of English power in the region. It was modelled after the walls of Constantinople with the purpose of demonstrating Edward’s strength and dominion. Throughout the Middle Ages, Caernarfon Castle served as an important military stronghold and centre of government.

The Birthplace of Legend

With its long, eventful lifespan over different eras, Caernarfon Castle has accumulated a unique mix of history, myth and legend. Ghostly apparitions are said to haunt its grounds, unexplained voices echo through its empty rooms and secret tunnels supposedly hide beneath its depths, or so the local myths go. These captivating stories have contributed to an aura of mystery and imagination that clings to Caernarfon Castle to the present day.

Myths and Legends of Caernarfon Castle

The Eagles of Caernarfon

The Eagles of Caernarfon

One of the most enduring legends surrounding Caernarfon Castle involves the resident eagles. According to local lore, as long as eagles continue to nest at the castle, it will remain standing strong.

Omens in the Sky

This legend originated in the Middle Ages, when eagles were first spotted nesting in the upper towers and ramparts of the newly built castle. At the time, they were seen as a good omen – evidence that the fortress would stand tall and resilient, protected by these regal birds.

The original nesting pairs have long gone, but eagles can still occasionally be spotted around Caernarfon, perpetuating the myth. People eagerly watch for them, a symbolic sign of the castle’s might.

A Lasting Legacy

This legend remains alive centuries on, with many visitors still inquiring about the resident eagles. Though more mythical than factual in nature, the Eagles of Caernarfon have embedded themselves into local culture and the heritage of the castle.

The Ghostly Apparitions

In addition to its eagles, Caernarfon Castle is said to be home to various supernatural inhabitants that haunt its grounds. Some of the most well-known ghostly tales involve:

The Spectre of Queen Eleanor

Queen Eleanor, wife of King Edward I, passed away at Caernarfon Castle in 1290. Since then, some visitors and staff have reported seeing her ghostly form wandering the castle’s King’s Gate, the scene of her death, on the anniversary of her passing. Accounts describe a woman in medieval dress who lingers briefly before fading away.

Queen Eleanor, wife of King Edward I

The Black Knight

The Black Knight Most haunted Caernarfon castle

A ghostly apparition of a knight dressed in full black armour is said to patrol the castle walls at night. Sightings of the phantom knight date back to the 16th century. According to legend, he is the spirit of a former guard of the castle condemned to forever stand watch over it.

Disembodied Wails

Eerie disembodied moans, cries and wails have been reported echoing through the empty rooms and corridors of the castle by many visitors and staff over the years. Explanations range from ghosts to winds whistling eerily through the old stones. The unexplained sounds add to the ominous atmosphere.

Subterranean Secrets

In addition to ghostly tales, myths of secret tunnels and dungeons hidden beneath Caernarfon Castle have persisted for centuries, adding to its air of mystery.

The Legend of the Underground Labyrinth

Local legend tells of an extensive labyrinth of secret passages and rooms constructed underneath Caernarfon Castle. According to myth, previous inhabitants used these sinister hidden spaces for clandestine and nefarious purposes throughout history.

While some tunnels and underground chambers have been discovered over the years, the vast underground network that locals imagine likely does not exist. Still, the lack of conclusive evidence keeps the myth alive.

caernarfon castle tunnels imagined

Fuelling Imaginations

The idea of a vast, mysterious world hidden just underfoot captures the imagination and has become ingrained in local culture. These myths are an integral part of the tapestry of intrigue that surrounds Caernarfon Castle to this day. Though likely more fiction than fact, the legends endure as a core part of the castle’s aura of enduring mystique.

The Enduring Allure of Myth

The myths and legends surrounding Caernarfon Castle have become inextricably woven into its rich history, enhancing its captivating, enduring allure.

Building a Timeless Legacy

These chilling tales of ghosts, secret passages and prophetic eagles have helped cement Caernarfon Castle’s reputation as a site steeped in history, imagination and intrigue. The stories are deeply ingrained in local culture, passed down through generations and sparking interest in new visitors.

Imagination Standing the Test of Time

While some legends may be more myth than fact, together they form a tapestry of folklore that has captured people’s imaginations throughout the centuries. The fanciful myths have become part of experiencing the magic and wonder of this historic castle.

A Site Where History Meets Legend

Caernarfon Castle continues to captivate all those who visit. Its extensive past collides with haunting myths, taking one back through time to an era of knights, conquests and mystical omens. Exploring this site where reality meets legend is an opportunity to step into an enduring realm of imagination, mystery and intrigue.

Where is Caernarforn Castle?

Castell Caernarfon, Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales, LL55 2AU, United Kingdom

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Caernarfon Castle: Why it Was Built

Caernarfon castle from the west

Constructed between 1283 and 1330 during King Edward I of England’s conquest of Wales, this formidable edifice provokes an important historical question – why was Caernarfon Castle built? The massive castle served several key strategic roles in helping England subjugate the Welsh nation.

Caernarfon stood as a military strongpoint, administrative headquarters, center of royal ceremony and spectacle, and towering symbol of English authority. Examining the motivations behind erecting this intimidating castle provides insight into Edward I’s aims in Wales and the shifting balance of power during Britain’s medieval period.

Why Was Caernarfon Castle Built?

Caernarfon’s location was strategically chosen by King Edward to facilitate English governance of the troublesome region of Gwynedd in Northwest Wales. This region had long been home to numerous Welsh princes and the heartland of Welsh cultural identity. Constructing such an awe-inspiring castle in the former royal abode of the Welsh rulers sent a clear message – that English authority was here to stay.

Hear from King Edward why Caernafon Castle was built

Strategic Military Role

A Stronghold Against Rebellion

The location and formidable defences of Caernarfon Castle allowed it to serve as a crucial bastion of English military might in North Wales. Situated just offshore from the Menai Strait, it commanded an important river crossing site and controlled access between the mainland and Anglesey. Any Welsh forces wishing to move between these areas could thus be monitored and interdicted.

Choking Off Welsh Resistance

Garrisons stationed at Caernarfon were able to carry out regular mounted patrols through surrounding towns and villages, projecting English authority and quashing any stirrings of rebellion amongst the local populace. With Caernarfon as an impenetrable base, English soldiers could swoop through the countryside, stamping out resistance before it could gain momentum.

Depriving the Enemy

As a powerful forward base, the castle allowed English armies campaigning deeper into Welsh territory to be resupplied via river vessels. Meanwhile, by raiding livestock and burning crops in the area, Caernarfon’s garrison could deprive Welsh forces of vital resources, contributing to their defeat in the field. The fortress thus formed a key part of the English strategy to subjugate Wales through both military might and attrition.

burning Welsh village

Administrative Headquarters

Imposing English Law

Caernarfon Castle served as an imposing seat of English administrative authority

Beyond its military utility, Caernarfon Castle served as an imposing seat of English administrative authority in North Wales. Within the castle walls, royal officials enforced English laws and policies upon the surrounding region. This allowed King Edward to consolidate his control and anglicize the turbulent Welsh territories.

Dispensing Justice

Caernarfon contained royal courts where English judges, appointed by the King, dispensed justice according to English custom. Welsh nobles who wished to retain their privileges had little choice but to appeal before these foreign courts that were alien and hostile to native Welsh law. This was a key means of imposing external authority.

Overseeing Royal Authority

The castle also housed English sheriffs, tax collectors, and other officials integral to implementing the crown’s writ in Wales. Together with the courts, this administrative apparatus allowed England to govern North Wales directly, diminishing the authority of local Welsh rulers. Caernarfon became a seat of colonial power – not just a military site.

Caernarfon castle also housed English sheriffs, tax collectors, and other officials

Royal Ceremonial Site

Rituals of Submission

As a powerful symbol of English dominance in Wales, Caernarfon Castle became the stage for rituals requiring Welsh rulers to submit to King Edward’s sovereignty. Within the ornate halls of the castle, the English king would receive visiting Welsh nobles and princes, who would kneel and swear oaths of fealty to him.

Pomp and Circumstance

Lavish feasts and tournaments attended by English and Welsh nobility were hosted at Caernarfon. On such ceremonious occasions, King Edward would sit elevated above the participants, demonstrating his might and prestige to impressionable Welsh elites bedazzled by English finery and chivalry. This cultivated their acquiescence to English rule.

Investing the Heir

investing the king's eldest son as Prince of Wales

In 1301, Edward’s son and heir, the future Edward II, was born at Caernarfon and proclaimed the Prince of Wales. This established the castle as the traditional site for investing the king’s eldest son as Prince, further cementing its role as a center for royal pageantry and Welsh submission to English sovereignty.

Symbol of English Power

Architecture of Oppression

The sheer scale and sophisticated design of Caernarfon Castle were intended to awe and intimidate the Welsh population. The enormous polygonal towers, intimidating battlements, soaring Eagle Tower gatehouse and geometric multi-colored stonework conveyed the military might and artistic refinement of England. This contrasted starkly with the crude earthworks and stone fortresses of the native Welsh rulers.

Flaunting Superiority

While much of Wales languished in backwardness and poverty, the splendor and treasure lavished on Caernarfon projected English wealth and invincibility. As the preeminent castle in Wales, Caernarfon stood as a permanent monument to the permanence and cultural supremacy of English rule. Generations of Welsh natives would gaze upon its grandeur knowing that England would dominate their land indefinitely.

Built on the Backs of the Welsh

Adding further humiliation, much of the punishing labor required to construct Caernarfon was carried out by impressed Welsh work teams. Conscripting the Welsh to physically build the instruments of their own oppression under brutal working conditions was a calculated move by King Edward to break their spirit of independence.

The Enduring Legacy

A Controversial Landmark

For centuries after its completion, Caernarfon Castle stood firm as a landmark commemorating English conquest of Wales. While the castle remains an impressive architectural achievement, its symbolism as an icon of subjugation still touches a raw nerve for many modern Welsh.

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The Rich History of Caernarfon Castle in North Wales

Caernarforn Castle Histories and Castles

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most famous and impressive castles in north Wales.

History of Caernarfon Castle

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.

Caernarfon Castle
CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121866

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

Caernarfon castle Histories and Castles
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From its genesis as a motte and bailey castle built by the Norman invaders to its current status as an iconic monument of Welsh history and identity, Caernarfon Castle has stood for over eight hundred years as a symbol of power and authority in Wales.

The Origins of Caernarfon Castle

Perched defiantly on the banks of the River Seiont stands the mighty Caernarfon Castle, its towering walls and muscular towers projecting an indomitable spirit. From its genesis as a motte and bailey castle built by the Norman invaders to its current status as an iconic monument of Welsh history and identity, Caernarfon has stood for over eight hundred years as a symbol of power and authority in Wales.

By Joopr - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15359015

The original castle built at Caernarfon during the 11th century was of the motte and bailey design commonly constructed by the Normans.

A wooden keep sat atop a steep earthen mound, or motte, surrounded by a courtyard and palisade known as the bailey. The site was chosen for its natural defenses, with the River Seiont on one side and marshy ground on the other. The location also provided strategic access to the Menai Strait and Irish Sea, making it ideal for controlling seaborne trade and military transport routes.

While the motte and bailey castle sufficed for the Normans, Caernarfon’s stature was greatly expanded under Edward I of England as he aggressively pursued the conquest of North Wales during the late 13th century. The English king selected the site as the administrative centre of the newly conquered territory due to its prominence, kicking off a massive phase of castle construction that transformed both Caernarfon’s scale and strategic capabilities.

Edward I and the Castle’s Construction

After declaring himself the new Prince of Wales in 1301, Edward I set about turning Caernarfon into a fortress worthy of the title. The wooden motte and bailey structure was demolished to make way for a spectacular new stone-built castle as part of the King’s “iron ring” of formidable fortifications encircling North Wales.

Edward I and the Castle's Construction
By Alan Fryer, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13721805

The king’s master mason James of St. George oversaw construction, which began in 1283 and consumed vast resources over the next thirty years. At its peak, thousands of laborers worked on site, quarrying and shaping the locally sourced gray-green Dolwyddelan stone used to erect the massive walls and towers. The construction of Caernarfon represented one of the largest castle-building projects of its time in Europe.

Innovative castle design elements were introduced under Edward I, who prioritized defenses capable of withstanding attack rather than comfort and aesthetics. Caernarfon’s concentric-walled layout was technologically advanced, allowing defenders to assail besiegers from multiple angles with crossfire.

Arrow slits

Arrow slits, murder holes, and well-situated tower positions provided overlapping fields of fire.

Rather than graceful round turrets, Caernarfon’s towers took on a new polygonal design that eliminated blind spots and allowed defenders to shoot attackers directly below the battlements. The arrival of cannonry centuries later would eventually render many of these medieval defensive measures obsolete, but at the time Caernarfon represented the cutting edge of military fortification design.

Key Architectural Features

The imposing physical presence of Caernarfon Castle is evident in its muscular exterior walls bristling with towers and along the row of massive gatehouses limiting access. Spanning over 3 acres with a perimeter stretching nearly 1,500 feet, Caernarfon’s physical scale projects an intimidating aura of impregnability.

Caernarfon castle interior
CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121866

The outer curtain walls form an irregular polygonal shape and are studded with at least ten stout two-story towers for maximizing defensive angles. Of these robust cylindrical towers, the Eagle Tower is the most prominent, soaring above the entrance to dominate the views of those approaching the castle.

Arrow slits, murder holes, and well-situated tower positions provided overlapping fields of fire.
By Nilfanion – Wikimedia UK, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47676455

The Eagle Tower’s height allowed sentries to spot enemies from afar and served as a luxurious lodging for the king and his family, featuring large windows and fireplaces. So critical was this tower that its interior was completed first to provide secure lodgings as soon as possible.

In addition to the intimidating landward defenses, Caernarfon was also protected from the seaward side by a series of gates and walls controlling access from the River Seiont. Supplies and reinforcements could reach Caernarfon through the Water Gate, while attackers would face massive doors and the threat of missiles raining down from above.

Both the natural terrain and manmade fortifications contrived to make Caernarfon a veritable death trap for any army foolish enough to lay siege. With its polygonal turreted walls and commanding towers, Caernarfon stood as a Welsh bulwark symbolising Edward I’s overwhelming might and mastery.

The Castle and the Prince of Wales

As the headquarters of Edward I’s administration in North Wales, Caernarfon Castle played a central role in suppressing local resistance and establishing English authority over the region. The king’s son, Edward II, was born there in 1284, and in 1301 he became the first English Prince of Wales, beginning a long tradition of linking Caernarfon with the investiture of heirs to the throne.

By staging the initial investiture of his son at Caernarfon Castle, Edward I sought to symbolize the newborn prince’s dominance over the Welsh as his heir. The castle was embellished with regal accommodations like the Queen’s Tower and the partially-built Nun’s House was prepared for the ceremony. In 1911, Caernarfon was again used for the investiture of Prince Edward, the future Edward VIII.

The investiture of Prince Charles in 1969 marked the beginning of the castle’s present-day role as a visitor attraction rather than a functional stronghold. The ceremony emphasized Welsh culture and traditions in contrast to the earlier investitures. Though no longer an active royal residence, the castle continues to be a setting associated with the ritual of crowning the Prince of Wales.

Nearly 700 years after its construction, Caernarfon maintains its connection to royalty along with its symbolic status representing English authority imposed on Wales. Despite its origins as an instrument of conquest, the castle is now viewed as source of national pride by the Welsh.

Caernarfon Castle timeline

8 surprising facts about one of the most famous castles in Wales

  1. It was built on top of an ancient Roman fort. Saving time and resources, King Edward I had Caernarfon Castle built right on top of the ruins of a Roman fort called Segontium. Parts of the old fortifications were integrated into the new castle’s imposing walls.
  2. It took over 40 years to complete its construction. Building a castle of such immense size and complexity was a massive undertaking in the 13th century. The castle was not considered finished until 1330, more than four decades after construction began in 1283.
  3. Its design was meant to mimic Constantinople. Caernarfon’s architectural style was deliberately chosen to echo the walls and towers of distant Constantinople, then capital of the Byzantine Empire. This symbolised Edward I’s imperial ambitions.
  4. It introduced innovative new design features. Caernarfon boasted colorful banded masonry patterns and polygonal towers that were revolutionary innovations in castle design at the time.
  5. It was the birthplace of the first English Prince of Wales. When King Edward I’s son was born at Caernarfon in 1284, he was given the title Prince of Wales, starting a tradition for English heir apparents.
  6. The Eagle Tower housed a loyal family. The Aangell family was rewarded with lodgings in the Eagle Tower for their support of King Edward I during his conquest of North Wales.
  7. It could garrison over 2,000 troops. At its peak, Caernarfon Castle could hold a formidable garrison of 2,000 men, enabling it to withstand multiple sieges through its history.
  8. It became a World Heritage Site in 1986. Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, Caernarfon was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd.

Caernarfon Castle Today

While Caernarfon Castle no longer serves its original purpose as a military fortification, it remains an impressive ruin and popular tourist destination today. Since coming under the management of Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh government, the site has been equipped to accommodate and educate visitors.

A walk along the castle’s imposing mantle of walls gives a sense of its grand scale and strategic position. Visitors can also access the towers and interior buildings like the Eagle Tower, Queen’s Tower, and chambers within the King’s Gate. Exhibits provide background on the castle’s history and architecture.

Caernarfon castle
By Paul the Archivist – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72260211

The castle’s presence along the River Seiont makes it a picturesque event venue, hosting concerts, jousting events, food festivals, and theatrical productions during summers. Around Christmas, the wintry twilight castle becomes the stage for musical performances.

As one of the most iconic medieval castles in Wales and Britain, Caernarfon continues to draw visitors ranging from history buffs to tourists. While strongly associated with England’s conquest of the country, it remains a source of pride for the Welsh as both an impressive feat of construction and enduring symbol of their nation. The ancient fortress persists as a monument to the indelible spirit of Wales.

Over eight centuries after its construction by King Edward I, Caernarfon Castle continues to stand as an imposing Welsh landmark rich with history. Its polygonal towers and hulking walls bear testament to its original purpose as a symbol of English authority, while its role in the investiture of the Prince of Wales connects it to British royalty.

While other medieval castles have crumbled into picturesque ruins, Caernarfon remains remarkably intact, allowing visitors to experience its strategic design and architectural grandeur. The site draws legions of annual visitors attracted by its majestic scale and dramatic riverside location, making it one of Wales’ most iconic attractions.

More than just a relic of the country’s medieval past, Caernarfon persists as a monument to Welsh identity, a canvas upon which the nation’s story has been written for generations. Under Cadw stewardship, the castle continues to share its unique history and evolution with visitors from around the world. Caernarfon stands as an enduring medieval stronghold, its imposing shadow an ever-present reminder of the indomitable spirit of Wales.

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FAQ

When was Caernarfon Castle built?

Construction on Caernarfon Castle began in 1283 under King Edward I and was mostly completed by 1330. It was built as part of Edward’s efforts to conquer and control Wales.

Who designed the castle?

Master mason James of St. George was the main architect and overseer of Caernarfon’s construction. He introduced innovative castle design elements like polygonal towers.

How many towers does the castle have?

Caernarfon Castle has at least ten two-story towers studding its walls. The most famous is the Eagle Tower overlooking the entrance.