Part castle, part royal palace. Caernarfon is the birthplace of Edward
II, later declared the first Prince of Wales by his astute father.
Opulent accommodation (for the time) is provided within two curtain
walls.
The
castle, part of Edward I's plan to control the Welsh nation, was built
on the site of an original motte and bailey castle. It was to serve
the purpose of governing the area and at the same time, be substantial
and palatial enough for a king to visit. The single defensive wall
is a massive one beefed up by internal defenses. There are two inner
wards.
The
castle is constructed with angular rather than round towers. The 10-sided
Eagle Tower and the Queen's Tower were the most elaborate. Caernarfon
is one of Edward's most imposing castles. There are a number of exhibitions,
an AV program and displays in the castle, including the Welsh Fusiliers
regiment museum.
LOCATION
Castle
Ditch
Caernarfon
Gwynedd
Tel. 0286 677617
Under
the care of Cadw
OPENING
DETAILS
open end March-end May, Oct from 9:30-5, end May to first Oct until
6pm, Nov-to end March until 4pm.
Related:
Edward II
Edwardian castles
Princes of Wales
Top
photo © Barbara Ballard
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