The castles in Wales are timeless witnesses to its rich past with the country steeped in history and mythology. From towering fortresses built by Norman conquerors to the elegant mansions that dot its landscapes.
Wales’ castles offer a captivating journey through centuries of architectural innovation, strategic intrigue, and cultural significance.
These stone sentinels tell tales of battles, conquests, and the evolving tapestry of Welsh identity, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore the grandeur and legacy of a nation shaped by its castles.
Castles In Wales
Britain is packed with castles and the castles in Wales are epic in their medieval style. There are so many castles in Wales for its small size it could be called the country of castles.
How many castles in Wales? 600!
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortress located in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales. It was built by King Edward I of England in the late 13th century as part of his efforts to establish English control over Wales. The construction of the castle began in 1283 and continued for several years.
The castle is notable for its impressive design and architecture, which includes polygonal towers, sturdy walls, and a unique polygonal layout. It was strategically positioned near the Menai Strait and served as a military stronghold, administrative centre, and a symbol of English authority in Wales.
One of the most iconic features of Caernarfon Castle is the Eagle Tower, also known as the King’s Tower, which is the largest tower in the complex. This tower housed the royal apartments and was intended to showcase the power and dominance of the English monarchy.
Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is another medieval fortress located in Conwy, Wales. Like Caernarfon Castle, it was built by King Edward I of England during his campaign to control Wales in the 13th century. Conwy Castle was constructed between 1283 and 1289 and is a prominent example of medieval military architecture.
The castle was strategically positioned on the north coast of Wales and played a crucial role in securing English dominance in the region. Its primary purpose was to serve as a defensive stronghold against Welsh resistance and potential threats from the sea.
Key features of Conwy Castle include its massive curtain walls, eight towers, and two barbicans. The castle’s design incorporates innovative elements for its time, such as a unique layout that takes full advantage of the natural rock formations on which it was built. The Great Hall within the castle was a centre of governance and administration.
Out of all the Castles in Wales, this is one of the most famous.
Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle is a medieval castle located in Caerphilly, Wales. It is one of the largest and most impressive castles in Wales and was built in the late 13th century by Gilbert de Clare, a powerful nobleman and marcher lord.
The castle was constructed during a time of political and military instability in Wales, and its design reflects its role as a defensive fortress.
Key features of Caerphilly Castle include its massive concentric walls and water defences. The castle is surrounded by a series of artificial lakes, which were created by damming local rivers. These water defences added an extra layer of protection to the castle, making it a formidable stronghold.
The castle’s main gatehouse, with its two large towers and drawbridge, is a striking example of medieval military architecture. Inside the walls, there are various buildings, including the Great Hall and residential quarters.
The castle’s design aimed to provide not only a defensive structure but also accommodations for the lord and his household.
Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is a medieval castle located in the town of Pembroke in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It holds historical significance as one of the major strongholds in Wales and for its connections to important figures and events in British history.
The castle was originally established during the late 11th century, but the majority of its current structure was built during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. It was originally constructed by Arnulf de Montgomery, and it later came into the possession of the powerful de Clare family.
The castle underwent various modifications and expansions over the centuries, resulting in the impressive structure that exists today.
Key features of Pembroke Castle include its large outer walls, imposing gatehouse, and the striking Keep. The Keep, often referred to as the “Wogan,” is a massive round tower that stands as one of the largest of its kind in Britain. It served both as a defensive structure and as a residence for the castle’s lords.
Kidwelly Castle
Kidwelly Castle is a medieval castle located in the town of Kidwelly in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is considered one of the finest examples of a Norman castle in Wales and holds historical significance for its architecture and role in Welsh history.
The castle was built in the early 12th century by Roger, Bishop of Salisbury, on behalf of the de Camville family. It was constructed using local limestone and designed to serve as a defensive stronghold during a time of conflicts and territorial disputes. Over the years, the castle went through various modifications and expansions.
Key features of Kidwelly Castle include its curtain walls, towers, and inner bailey. The main gatehouse, known as the South Gate, is particularly notable for its impressive design. The Great Gatehouse features a drawbridge, portcullis, and defensive features that showcase the castle’s military architecture.
Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle is a medieval fortress located in Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales. It is renowned for its impressive architecture, strategic location, and historical significance. The castle is part of the “Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd” UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes several other notable castles in the region.
Built by King Edward I of England in the late 13th century as part of his campaign to conquer Wales, Harlech Castle stands atop a high rock overlooking the Irish Sea. Its location offers commanding views of the surrounding landscape and plays a crucial role in its defensive strategy.
Key features of Harlech Castle include its massive gatehouse, concentric walls, and unique design. The gatehouse, known as the “Twin Towers,” is a striking example of medieval military architecture. The castle’s concentric layout and strong fortifications were intended to make it resistant to attacks from both land and sea.
Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle is a late medieval castle located in the village of Raglan in Monmouthshire, Wales. It is known for its distinctive and relatively well-preserved architecture, blending elements of both fortress and mansion designs.
Raglan Castle was constructed during the 15th century and is considered one of the last great castles to be built in Wales.
The castle was originally built by Sir William ap Thomas, a Welsh nobleman, and later expanded by his son Sir William Herbert, who became the first Earl of Pembroke. The Herbert family played an important role in the Wars of the Roses and in the political landscape of their time. Raglan Castle became a symbol of their power and influence.
Key architectural features of Raglan Castle include its polygonal towers, grand gatehouse, and unique Great Tower, which is more reminiscent of a Renaissance-style mansion than a traditional medieval keep.
The castle’s design incorporates both defensive features and luxurious living spaces, reflecting the changing architectural trends of the time.
Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen Castle is a medieval fortress located on a limestone precipice near the village of Trapp in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The castle is known for its dramatic and picturesque setting, perched on a steep hill overlooking the surrounding countryside.
The origins of Carreg Cennen Castle date back to the early medieval period, with a fortress likely established on the site in the 13th century. It changed hands between Welsh and English forces multiple times during conflicts in Welsh history.
Key features of Carreg Cennen Castle include its well-preserved ruins, which include the remains of a gatehouse, curtain walls, towers, and a natural cave known as the “Lady’s Cave.”
The castle’s location on a rocky crag provides natural defences and stunning panoramic views of the Carmarthenshire landscape.
Chepstow Castle
Chepstow Castle is a historic fortress located in the town of Chepstow in Monmouthshire, Wales. It is one of the oldest surviving stone fortresses in Britain and holds a significant place in Welsh history.
The castle is situated on a limestone cliff overlooking the River Wye and played a pivotal role in controlling the border between England and Wales.
Chepstow Castle was originally constructed by William FitzOsbern, a Norman lord, shortly after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The castle underwent several phases of expansion and modification over the centuries, leading to its unique blend of architectural styles.
Key features of Chepstow Castle include its massive curtain walls, round towers, gatehouses, and its Great Tower (also known as the Norman Keep). The castle’s layout takes full advantage of its strategic position overlooking the river and offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle is a historic fortress and Victorian-era mansion located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The castle’s history spans over 2,000 years, and it has played a significant role in Welsh history and culture. The site is known for its eclectic architectural styles, ranging from Roman to medieval to Gothic Revival.
Cardiff Castle is one of the biggest attractions in the city and one of the main castles in Wales.
Key historical periods and features of Cardiff Castle include:
Roman Origins: The site originally housed a Roman fort during the 1st century AD, known as “Venta Silurum.” The remains of the Roman walls and a portion of the original fort’s foundation can still be seen today.
Norman Castle: The Norman invasion of Wales led to the construction of a motte-and-bailey castle in the late 11th century on the foundations of the Roman fort. The keep, known as the Norman Keep or Black Tower, is a prominent surviving structure from this era.
Medieval Expansion: In the 12th and 13th centuries, further fortifications were added to the castle complex, including stone walls and additional towers.
Victorian Transformation: The castle underwent a significant transformation in the 19th century when John Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute, commissioned architect William Burges to redesign the interiors and create luxurious spaces. The result was a fusion of medieval revival and opulent Victorian design.
Dinefwr Castle
Dinefwr Castle is a historic castle located near the town of Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The castle is situated on a hill overlooking the beautiful landscape of the Towy Valley and is part of the Dinefwr Park estate, which also includes a medieval deer park and the Newton House mansion.
The origins of Dinefwr Castle are believed to date back to the early medieval period, and it played a role in the history of the Welsh kingdoms and their interactions with Norman invaders. The castle underwent various phases of construction and modification over the centuries.
Key features of Dinefwr Castle include its impressive hilltop location, defensive walls, and tower. The castle’s position provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it strategically significant for surveillance and defence.
Rhuddlan Castle
Rhuddlan Castle is a medieval fortress located in the town of Rhuddlan in Denbighshire, Wales. It is a historically significant castle that played a pivotal role in the conquest and control of Wales by the English crown during the late 13th century.
The castle was constructed by King Edward I of England between 1277 and 1282 as part of his military campaign to establish English dominance over Wales. Rhuddlan Castle was strategically positioned near the River Clwyd and served as a key centre of administration and military control in the region.
Key features of Rhuddlan Castle include its concentric design, which includes both inner and outer walls, as well as impressive gatehouses and towers. The castle’s design incorporated the latest military engineering techniques of the time, making it a formidable stronghold.
Chirk Castle
Chirk Castle is another of the medieval castles in Wales located in the town of Chirk in Wrexham County Borough. It is one of the many historic properties managed by the National Trust and is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, rich history, and stunning gardens.
The castle was built during the late 13th century by Roger Mortimer de Chirk, a Marcher Lord. Its strategic location near the border between England and Wales made it an important stronghold during a time of territorial conflicts and power struggles.
Key features of Chirk Castle include its massive curtain walls, round towers, gatehouse, and the “Adam Tower,” which was named after Sir Adam of Clifton, a later owner of the castle. The castle’s architecture reflects a combination of medieval military features and more comfortable living spaces.
Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle is a medieval fortress located in the town of Beaumaris on the island of Anglesey in Wales. It is one of the famous castles built by King Edward I of England as part of his campaign to conquer and control Wales during the late 13th century.
Beaumaris Castle is known for its impressive architecture, innovative design, and its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list as part of the “Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd.”
Key features of Beaumaris Castle include its symmetrical concentric layout, sophisticated defensive features, and its strategic waterfront position. The castle’s design aimed to incorporate the latest military advancements of the time, such as concentric walls and round towers, making it a formidable fortress.
Carew Castle
Carew Castle is a historic medieval castle in Wales located in the village of Carew in Pembrokeshire. The castle is situated near the Carew River and is notable for its well-preserved remains, its connection to Welsh history, and its picturesque surroundings.
The origins of Carew Castle date back to the Norman period, with the earliest parts of the castle built in the 12th century by Gerald of Windsor. Over the centuries, the castle underwent various expansions and modifications.
Key features of Carew Castle include its curtain walls, towers, gatehouses, and a tidal mill. The tidal mill, known as the Carew Tidal Mill, is a unique historical feature and is one of the best-preserved examples of a tidal mill in Britain.
Castles In Wales
Out of 600 castles in Wales, these are just a small selection but they are some of the best Welsh castles you can see out of all of them.
For more castles in Britain take a look at the 25 best medieval castles in England to visit.
The books I mention below are on Amazon and are affiliate links and I get a small commission if you purchase through the link at no extra cost to you.
For a great book on the history of castles in Britain take a look at this book from one of my favourite historians, Marc Morris: Castle: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval Britain.
For a view of what life was like in a medieval castle, you will find the classic book Life in a Medieval Castle interesting.
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