Welsh Castles | Imposing Fortresses From The Land Of Our Fathers
Wales is home to some of the most magnificent castles in Europe.
During medieval times the Principality was a scene of a series of brutal wars, as the English fought to conquer and subdue the Welsh, who fought back vigorously.
In particular, Edward I – known as the ‘Hammer of the Scots’, but also a conqueror of Wales – sought to consolidate his reign over the area.
He did so via the familiar tactic of covering the area, especially North Wales, with a series of fortress, castles, known as his Ring of Iron.
But although his castles are the most famous, there are lots of other castles in the area.
Here are our guides to some of the best of Edward’s and others’ Welsh castles:
WELSH castles
Castell Coch | Discover This Fairytale Welsh Castle
Share Tweet Pin The magnificence of Castell Coch in South Wales is due to its distinctive conical roofs. This castle is a wonderful image of an imagined medieval world. Even today, people vote it as their favorite building in Wales regularly. So, let us get to know a bit about this fortress in detail. Where Is The … Read more
Edward I’s Ring Of Iron Castles | Caernarfon, Conwy & More
The English King Edward I conquered Wales in the late 13th century. In order to consolidate his power, and cow the rebellious Welsh into submission, he built a series of castles in the north of the Wales – known as the ‘Ring of Iron’. Most were built by his master architect, James of St.George, from Savoy near the modern … Read more
Cardiff Castle | Medieval Castle In Welsh Capital
Cardiff Castle is a Norman keep and Victorian Gothic revival mansion in Wales. The castle has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows, including Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes. Visitors can explore the tunnels, towers, courtyards and gardens of the castle grounds. But always be on the lookout for the infamous ‘Dragon’ of Cardiff Castle…
Beaumaris Castle | Explore Edward I’s Unfinished Masterpiece
Beaumaris Castle was built to be the titan of castles: four rings of fortress-style defence walls and a moat so vast it needed its own dock. Yet more intriguing still is that it has been unfinished ever since the 1320s.
Harlech Castle | Spectacular North Wales Fortress
(Originally posted on our sister site: British-Castles.com) Harlech Castle looks out from an imposing rocky bluff, with the sheer peaks of Snowdonia as its backdrop. Located in North Wales, Harlech Castle has been awarded World Heritage Site status along with Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Conwy Castle. Local legends place the site of Harlech Castle as the … Read more
Caernarfon Castle | Longshanks’ North Wales Fortress
Time Resting on the River Seiont banks in northwestern Wales, Caernarfon Castle more than earns its reputation as a crowning achievement of Middle Ages architecture. Taking its name from the once-sleepy fishing hamlet of Caernarfon, Gwynedd, the castle now stands as a grounding structure in the World Heritage Site, which also includes Beaumaris, Harlech and Conwy … Read more
Conwy Castle | Visit This Spectacular Castle In North Wales
(Originally published on our sister site British-Castles.com) Conwy Castle in North Wales is one of the best preserved medieval castles in the UK. Read on to learn about this splendid castle. Where Is Conwy Castle? Conwy Castle is in North Wales, near the town of, well, Conwy. The castle is built on a rock promontory. … Read more