- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 1230 · 13th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- Wales, United Kingdom
- Commissioned by
- Llywelyn ab Iorwerth
- Coordinates
- 52.9161°, -4.2325°
History
The castle on its hill above the sea was begun in the 1230s by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, known as Llywelyn the Great, ruler of Gwynedd, who is credited with the inner ward and its gatehouse. In 1239 his son Dafydd imprisoned his half-brother Gruffudd here, and Llywelyn's grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd probably added the outer ward between 1255 and 1282. In 1283, during the conquest of Wales, the castle fell to the forces of Edward I, who had it repaired and the gatehouse towers raised. During the rising of Madog ap Llywelyn in 1294–1295 the garrison survived a siege thanks to supplies brought by sea from Ireland. In 1404 Owain Glyndŵr's rebels captured the castle and set it on fire; it was never rebuilt.
What to see
On the crest of the headland stands the imposing inner gatehouse with its two D-shaped towers, surrounded by the remains of the walls and towers of both wards. The walls command a sweeping view over Tremadog Bay, Criccieth's beaches and the mountains of Snowdonia, and on a clear day Harlech Castle can be seen across the bay. A visitor centre at the foot of the hill has an exhibition on the Welsh princes. The castle is in the care of Cadw.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q1139896
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