British Castles | Imposing Fortresses From The Past 1000 Years

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

Caerphilly Castle | South Wales Medieval Stronghold

Share Tweet Pin Situated in the town of Caerphilly, in South Wales, this medieval stronghold is the second largest in the UK, surpassed only by Windsor Castle. What sets Caerphilly Castle apart is not just its size, but also its innovative use of water defenses and the distinction of being the first truly concentric castle … Read more

Chepstow Castle and town on the River Wye, Gwent, on the border between England and Wales, UK

Chepstow Castle, Wales: Gorgeous Norman Castle On The River Wye

Chepstow Castle, located in Monmouthshire, South Wales, is a stunning fortress overlooking the River Wye. The castle was initially constructed around 1067 by William FitzOsbern, a Norman nobleman, and later expanded by Sir William Marshal, one of England’s most prominent knights. Known for its unique position atop a limestone cliff above the river, Chepstow Castle’s … Read more

Castell Coch | Discover This Fairytale Welsh Castle

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 Castle? Castell Coch, … 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