Rising majestically above the River Seiont, Caernarfon Castle is a breathtaking symbol of medieval might and power. Built by King Edward I in the 13th century as part of his Iron Ring of fortresses to subdue the Welsh, Caernarfon is one of the most impressive and best-preserved castles in Britain. Its stunning polygonal towers, multicolored masonry, and imperial grandeur make it a top destination in Wales, with over 200,000 visitors per year. Let‘s uncover the fascinating history and must-see features of this UNESCO-listed landmark.
The History of Caernarfon Castle
The story of Caernarfon Castle begins in 1283, when King Edward I of England launched a major offensive to conquer the native Welsh princes. After his victory, he began constructing a chain of mighty castles to secure his hold on the region, including Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, and Beaumaris. These fortresses, known as the Iron Ring, represented the pinnacle of 13th-century military architecture.
Edward chose Caernarfon as the centerpiece of his building campaign, intending it to serve as a seat of power and a symbol of English dominance. He commissioned Master James of St. George, the leading military architect of the day, to design the castle. Drawing inspiration from the legendary walls of Constantinople, James created a fortress of immense scale and sophistication, featuring imposing curtain walls, lofty towers, and grand gatehouses.
Construction of the castle began in 1283 and continued for over 40 years, employing thousands of laborers and craftsmen. The castle walls encompass an area of 4.2 acres (1.7 hectares) and have a perimeter of 734 meters (2,408 ft). The walls are up to 6.1 meters (20 ft) thick and 18.3 meters (60 ft) high, with 13 towers and two main gates.
The grandest of these towers is the Eagle Tower, a ten-sided keep that served as the royal residence. Named for the imperial eagle statues that adorn its battlements, this massive structure contained sumptuous apartments for the king and queen, complete with large windows, fireplaces, and privies. The tower was designed to impress, with its ornate stone carvings, colored tiles, and painted chambers.
In 1284, Edward ensured that his son, the future Edward II, was born at Caernarfon, a symbolic gesture to emphasize the English claim to Wales. In 1301, young Edward was named Prince of Wales in a ceremony at the castle, establishing a tradition that continues to this day. The castle‘s significance as a royal birthplace and investiture site added to its prestige and made it a target for Welsh uprisings.
During the revolt of Madog ap Llywelyn in 1294-5, Caernarfon was besieged and partly burned by the Welsh. Edward quickly repaired and reinforced the castle, adding additional towers and gatehouses. In the early 15th century, the castle faced another major threat during the Glyndŵr Rising, when Welsh forces under Owain Glyndŵr attacked English strongholds across the country. Although Caernarfon withstood a siege in 1403-4, the town outside its walls was burned.
After the medieval period, Caernarfon‘s military importance declined, but it still played a role in later conflicts. During the English Civil War in the 1640s, the castle was held by Royalist forces and besieged three times by Parliamentarians. Although it was eventually captured, the castle escaped major damage and was used as a garrison and prison in the following centuries.
In the 19th century, Caernarfon underwent extensive restoration work, including the addition of the Castle Ditch, a dry moat that surrounds the fortress. The castle gained new fame in 1911 when it hosted the investiture of the future Edward VIII as Prince of Wales. The ceremony was repeated in 1969 for Prince Charles, in a televised event watched by millions around the world.
Visiting Caernarfon Castle Today
Today, Caernarfon Castle is managed by Cadw, the Welsh government‘s historic environment service, and is open to the public year-round. Visitors can explore the castle‘s mighty walls, towers, and courtyards, and learn about its fascinating history through exhibits and displays.
Some of the key features to look out for include:
- The King‘s Gate: The main entrance to the castle, flanked by two massive towers and adorned with a statue of Edward I.
- The Eagle Tower: The largest and most impressive of the castle‘s towers, housing the royal apartments and the regimental museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.
- The Queen‘s Tower: Another of the castle‘s great towers, notable for its three turrets and its Gothic-style windows.
- The Granary Tower: A unique tower with three projecting turrets, used for grain storage and later as a prison.
- The Black Tower: One of the earliest parts of the castle, featuring a distinctive black-banded masonry pattern.
- The Castle Ditch: A 30-meter wide dry moat that encircles the castle, added in the 19th century.
Inside the castle, visitors can see a range of exhibits on the castle‘s history and archaeology, including finds from recent excavations. Highlights include a collection of medieval artifacts, a display on the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles, and an exhibit on the Welsh princes and their struggle against the English.
The Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum, housed in the Eagle Tower, tells the story of this famous Welsh regiment from its founding in 1689 to the 20th century. The museum features uniforms, weapons, medals, and memorabilia from the regiment‘s long history of service.
Caernarfon Castle welcomes around 200,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most popular attractions in Wales. The castle is open daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm (10:00am to 4:00pm in winter), with last admission 30 minutes before closing. Admission tickets cost £9.90 for adults, £5.90 for children, and £28.60 for families (prices as of 2024). Guided tours and audio guides are available for an additional fee.
The castle hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including historical reenactments, musical performances, and seasonal celebrations. The castle‘s spacious grounds are also popular for picnics and outdoor activities, with stunning views over the River Seiont and the Menai Strait.
The Significance of Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is not only a stunning example of medieval architecture but also a symbol of the complex relationship between England and Wales. Its very existence is a testament to the military might and political ambition of the English crown, and its role in the conquest and subjugation of the Welsh people.
At the same time, the castle‘s association with the Princes of Wales has given it a special place in Welsh history and culture. For centuries, Caernarfon has been a focal point for Welsh national identity and pride, even as it remains a reminder of English domination.
Today, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Caernarfon Castle is recognized as a masterpiece of medieval military architecture and a site of global significance. Its enduring legacy attracts visitors from all over the world, who come to marvel at its grandeur and to learn about the rich and turbulent history of Wales.
As historian Marc Morris notes in his book "A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain":
"Caernarfon is perhaps the greatest of Edward I‘s castles. In its sheer scale and magnificence, it is unmatched by any other fortress in Britain. It is a monument not only to Edward‘s military might but also to his political vision – a vision of a united Britain under English rule, with Wales firmly under the control of the crown."
Yet as impressive as Caernarfon is, it is just one part of Edward‘s Iron Ring of castles that transformed the landscape and history of North Wales. Together with nearby fortresses like Conwy, Harlech, and Beaumaris, Caernarfon forms a network of military and political power that shaped the destiny of Wales for centuries to come.
For modern visitors, exploring these castles offers a fascinating window into a pivotal era in British history, when the fate of nations was decided by stone and steel. By walking the walls of Caernarfon and its sister fortresses, we can gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped the identities and relationships of the peoples of Britain, and appreciate the enduring legacy of these magnificent monuments.
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Castle Ditch, Caernarfon LL55 2AY, Wales, UK
- Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30am – 5:00pm (10:00am – 4:00pm in winter); last admission 30 minutes before closing
- Admission: Adults £9.90, Children (5-17) £5.90, Families (2 adults & up to 3 children) £28.60; additional fees for guided tours and audio guides
- Facilities: Gift shop, toilets, picnic area, limited wheelchair access
- Nearby Attractions: Segontium Roman Fort, Welsh Highland Railway, Caernarfon Town Walls, Menai Strait
- Official Website: cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/caernarfon-castle
Sources:
- Ashbee, J. (2007). Conwy Castle and Town Walls. Cardiff: Cadw.
- Kenyon, J. R. (2010). The Medieval Castles of Wales. Cardiff: University of Wales Press.
- Morris, M. (2009). A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain. London: Windmill Books.
- Taylor, A. J. (1986). The Welsh Castles of Edward I. London: Hambledon Press.
- Cadw. (2024). Caernarfon Castle. Retrieved from cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/caernarfon-castle
