Conwy Castle - Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd
Conwy, Wales
26.10.2016
Conwy Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress located in the town of Conwy in Wales. It was built by King Edward I in the late 13th century as part of his campaign to conquer Wales. The castle is considered one of the finest examples of military architecture from the Middle Ages and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The construction of Conwy Castle began in 1283 and was completed in just four years. The castle was strategically placed on a rocky hill overlooking the Conwy River and was designed to withstand attacks from both land and sea. The castle was surrounded by a massive stone wall with eight towers and a moat, making it virtually impenetrable.
Inside the castle, there were many buildings including the Great Hall, the King's Chambers, and the Queen's Chambers. The castle also had a chapel, a kitchen, and a dungeon. The Great Hall was the largest and most impressive room in the castle, used for feasts and important gatherings. The King's Chambers were luxurious and spacious, while the Queen's Chambers were smaller and more modest.
One of the most famous features of Conwy Castle is its impressive spiral staircase that leads up to the battlements. This staircase is unique because it was designed to be easily defended in the event of an attack. The castle also has a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Conwy Suspension Bridge and the Conwy Town Walls.
In the 17th century, Conwy Castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair. It wasn't until the 19th century that it was restored and opened to the public. Today, visitors can explore the castle and learn about its fascinating history through interactive exhibitions and guided tours.
Conwy Castle is not only a magnificent fortress, but it also holds great historical significance. It played a crucial role in the conquest of Wales by King Edward I and its design and architecture are a testament to the military advancements of the Middle Ages.
Further Links:
The castles of Beaumaris and Harlech (largely the work of the greatest military engineer of the time, James of St George) and the fortified complexes of Caernarfon and Conwy are located in the former principality of Gwynedd, in north Wales. These extremely well-preserved monuments are examples of the colonization and defence works carried out throughout the reign of Edward I (1272–1307) and the military architecture of the time.
