Histories and Castles

Ewloe Castle is a small yet intriguing medieval fortress tucked away in the wooded areas of North Wales. Built during the tumultuous 13th century, it stands as a reminder of the fierce territorial battles between the Welsh and the English. Despite its modest size, Ewloe Castle has a rich history linked to Wales’ struggle for independence. This article delves into the origins, construction, and significance of Ewloe Castle, as well as the historical context surrounding its existence.

The Origins of Ewloe Castle

Ewloe Castle, located near the town of Ewloe in Flintshire, North Wales, was built in the early 13th century. Its exact date of construction is unclear, but historians place it around 1257. This period was characterised by intense conflict between the Welsh princes and the English monarchy, who were competing for control over the borderlands of Wales, also known as the “Marches”.

The Welsh prince responsible for Ewloe Castle was Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, also known as Llywelyn the Last. He was the last sovereign prince of Wales before its conquest by England. His decision to build Ewloe Castle was strategic, as it lay deep within the Welsh-controlled territory of Perfeddwlad. This area was of great importance, as it was often a battleground in the struggle for dominance between the Welsh and the English.

Unlike many of the castles in Wales that were built by the English following their conquest, Ewloe Castle was a product of Welsh craftsmanship. It reflects the distinctive Welsh style of fortification and defensive tactics, a key symbol of resistance against foreign invasion.

The Architecture and Structure of Ewloe Castle

Though Ewloe Castle is much smaller compared to other famous castles in Wales, such as Conwy or Caernarfon, its architectural design holds unique elements that make it stand out. The castle was built in two distinct phases, with the first part constructed around 1257 under Llywelyn ap Gruffudd’s orders.

The layout of Ewloe Castle is designed in an irregular D-shape. The main structure is a stone keep that rests on a natural rock outcrop, which provided a natural defensive advantage. Surrounding the keep, there is a curtain wall that encloses a small courtyard. The irregular shape of the wall suggests that the builders adapted the castle to the contours of the land rather than imposing a rigid design, which is quite typical of Welsh castle construction. This organic style of building allowed the Welsh to use the landscape as a natural fortification, reducing the need for elaborate defensive structures.

The keep itself is square, measuring about 10 metres on each side, and contains two floors. The ground floor likely served as storage, while the upper level housed living quarters. There is also evidence of a small tower at one corner of the curtain wall, known as the “Round Tower”. This round tower stands out because it was added later, in a second phase of construction, possibly to improve the castle’s defences as the threat of invasion grew.

Ewloe Castle was built primarily for military purposes, rather than as a luxurious residence. Its simplicity is reflective of its role as a defensive outpost rather than a grand display of wealth or power, as seen in some of the larger castles of the period. The thick walls, the natural rock foundation, and the strategic location within a dense forest were all designed to protect it from attack.

The Historical Context: The Welsh Wars of Independence

To fully appreciate the significance of Ewloe Castle, it is essential to understand the political climate during the time of its construction. The 13th century in Wales was a period of constant warfare, particularly between the native Welsh princes and the expanding English monarchy.

Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, who commissioned Ewloe Castle, was the grandson of Llywelyn the Great, a powerful ruler who had successfully united much of Wales under his control. Llywelyn the Last inherited his grandfather’s ambitions but faced increasing pressure from the English kings, particularly Henry III and later Edward I, who sought to extend their control into Wales.

By 1257, when Ewloe Castle was likely built, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd had consolidated his power in North Wales. His decision to construct the castle within the woods of Ewloe was part of his broader strategy to fortify his borders and maintain control of the Perfeddwlad region. This area, located between the rivers Dee and Conwy, was of immense strategic importance. Whoever controlled Perfeddwlad had easier access to the rest of Wales and could mount a more effective defence against invasions.

The wars between the Welsh and the English were brutal and long-lasting. Llywelyn ap Gruffudd managed to hold off the English for several years, using a network of castles, including Ewloe, as key defensive points. However, by the end of the 13th century, the Welsh were losing ground. Edward I, often referred to as the “Hammer of the Scots”, turned his attention towards Wales and began his conquest in earnest.

Ewloe Castle, despite its solid defences, was abandoned in 1282, the same year that Llywelyn ap Gruffudd was killed in battle. With Llywelyn’s death, the last significant resistance to English rule in Wales collapsed, and the castle fell into disuse. It was never rebuilt or restored after this point, as the English preferred to focus on building new, more elaborate castles in the region.

The Decline and Abandonment of Ewloe Castle

Following Llywelyn’s death and the subsequent English conquest of Wales, many Welsh-built castles, including Ewloe, lost their strategic importance. Edward I embarked on a massive castle-building campaign in North Wales, constructing monumental fortresses like Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech. These castles were not only military strongholds but also symbols of English dominance over Wales.

Ewloe Castle, by contrast, was a relic of a different time. Its smaller size and less formidable construction were no match for the enormous stone fortresses being built by the English crown. As a result, Ewloe was abandoned, and the thick forests of the region gradually reclaimed the castle ruins.

For centuries, Ewloe Castle remained forgotten, overshadowed by its larger, more impressive neighbours. However, in recent years, it has become a point of interest for historians and visitors who are keen to explore Wales’ rich history and the remains of its medieval past.

Ewloe Castle Today

Today, Ewloe Castle is a scheduled monument, protected by law due to its historical significance. Although the castle is in ruins, it offers visitors a glimpse into the turbulent period of Welsh history when native rulers fiercely resisted English expansion.

Set in Wepre Park, a wooded area near the town of Connah’s Quay, the castle provides a tranquil and picturesque site for visitors to explore. The dense woodland surrounding the castle creates an atmospheric setting, evoking a sense of the past when this small fortress played a role in the defence of Welsh independence.

Though less famous than other Welsh castles, Ewloe is an important reminder of the resilience and determination of the Welsh princes who fought to protect their land. Its ruins stand as a symbol of a lost era, where the native Welsh resisted the might of the English crown, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Conclusion

Ewloe Castle may not be as grand or as imposing as some of Wales’ more famous castles, but its historical significance cannot be overlooked. Built during a time of great conflict, it served as a stronghold for the Welsh princes as they fought to maintain their independence. Though it was eventually abandoned and fell into ruin, Ewloe Castle’s story is an important chapter in the broader history of Wales and its enduring spirit of defiance. Today, the castle remains a quiet but powerful symbol of a proud and resilient people who refused to be easily conquered.

---