Harlech Castle Gwynedd Wales cliff Irish Sea massive gatehouse King Edward I Men of Harlech village town
Harlech Castle, located in Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales, is a concentric castle, constructed atop a cliff close to the Irish Sea. Architecturally, it is particularly notable for its massive gatehouse. Built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales, the castle was subject to several assaults and sieges during its period of active use as a fortification. The castle served as the de facto capital of an independent Wales between 1404 and 1409 when it was held by Owain Glyndwr. The later seven-year siege of the castle, during the Wars of the Roses, has been memorialised in the famous song "Men of Harlech". In Welsh mythology, Harlech is associated with Branwen, but despite this, the first record of a fortification at Harlech – historically or archaeologically – comes from 1283 when Edward began building a castle there as part of his conquest of Wales. Wales and England had historically been enemies, and war broke out again between the two on 22 March 1282. The Welsh leader, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, died later that year on 11 December. His brother Dafydd ap Gruffudd continued to fight against the English. Dolwyddelan Castle was captured by the English in January 1283; control of Dolwyddelan opened up access to the Conwy valley. After Castell y Bere fell to English forces two months later, 560 soldiers marched to Harlech, led by Sir Otto de Grandison. Work began in earnest on building a castle at Harlech. The earliest references to the activity date from between 14 and May.[Harlech was one of 14 castles built by Edward I in the closing decades of the 13th century/ Like many of the castles in the area, Harlech was designed by Master James of St. George. The castle took seven years to build, and cost an estimated £8,190. Following its completion, James was appointed Constable of Harlech Castle, a high-status position he held for over three years.
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Photo credit: © SOTK2011 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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