- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 1283 · 13th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- Wales, United Kingdom
- Style
- medieval architecture
- Commissioned by
- Edward I of England
- Architect
- James of Saint George, Walter de Hereford
- Coordinates
- 53.1393°, -4.2769°
History
Edward I began building in 1283, close to the Roman fort of Segontium, to make Caernarfon the centre of English rule in North Wales. Its many-sided towers and bands of coloured stone were meant to recall the walls of Constantinople and proclaim the king's imperial ambitions. In 1284 Edward's son, the future Edward II, was born here and later became the first English heir to hold the title Prince of Wales. Rebels led by Madog ap Llywelyn sacked the town in 1294, and construction finally stopped around 1330 with the castle still unfinished. In the 20th century the investitures of the Princes of Wales were held in its courtyard in 1911 and 1969.
What to see
Climb the Eagle Tower, topped with weathered stone eagles, and explore passages hidden inside the thick walls. The Queen's Tower houses the museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, and the slate dais from the 1969 investiture still stands in the courtyard. The walls look out over the Menai Strait and the old walled town.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q275128
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