Harlech Castle

A Bird's Eye View Of Harlech Castle
Harlech, North Wales



Harlech Castle, located in Harlech, Wales, is a Concentric castle, constructed atop a cliff close to the sea (which has since receded). It is particularly notable for its massive gatehouse. Built under the supervision of James of St George towards the end of the 13th century, Harlech Castle is one of the four great castles in Wales constructed for Edward I. Concentric in design, the rectangular inner bailey, with a round tower at each corner and a gatehouse mid way along the east wall, is surrounded by a second rectangular fortification, and the outer bailey enclosed by an outer curtain wall.

Situated on the top of a rocky elevation (about 200ft (60.6m) above the shoreline of Tremadoc Bay), this superb location provided Harlech Castle with naturally strong defences. The castle's only potential weakness was from the east and south, so a wide, deep ditch was cut into the rock surface to prevent attack from these points, and a gatehouse was built on the higher ground to the east.

This magnificent gatehouse is the most impressive, surviving structure within the inner bailey. Resembling a Keep (or great tower), inasmuch as it was a self-contained fort, the three-storey structure has two cylindrical towers flanking the entrance passage, and on either side lie two guardrooms. Two smaller, cylindrical towers project into the inner bailey. As with a traditional Keep, the gatehouse also contained domestic accommodation.

Little else in the inner bailey survives above foundation level, but the original domestic buildings can be identified as a chapel, bakehouse and well along the northern wall, a granary and the small hall along the southern wall, and the great hall along the west wall. The outer bailey closely surrounds the inner bailey and provides a good point from which to study the design and structure of the inner bailey walls. Harlech Castle withstood a Welsh attack at the very end of the 13th century, but was attacked again during the early 15th century and surrendered. Harlech Castle was regained by the English and once again came under royal control a few years later by the future King Henry V.

The last Royalist stronghold in Wales, Harlech Castle witnessed its end in the Civil War but did not experience the wilful destruction so prevalent at that time. Only constant weathering and the natural process of decay over the last seven centuries has left Harlech Castle much as it stands today, but there is sufficient remaining to fully appreciate the splendid military architecture employed in its design. A massive and powerful coastal defence, Harlech Castle still appears formidable, with its unyielding strength and dominance set against a backdrop of the magnificent Snowdonia mountain range.

Paintings Of Caernarfon Castle

History: In the uprising of 1294 -1295, Caernarfon was besieged, but the garrison was supplied by sea and held out to be relieved in the spring of 1295. In 1403 and 1404 it withstood sieges by the forces of Owain Glyndwr. During the English Civil War its Royalist garrison surrendered to Parliamentary forces in 1646.

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most impressive of all the castles built by Edward I and is one of Europe's great medieval fortresses. Set on a peninsula bounded by the Menai Strait and at the heart of North Wales, Caernarfon became the English administrative centre.

Robinson and Thomas (qv) say that "... King Edward seems to have gone to considerable lengths to give substance to the tradition linking Caernarfon with imperial Rome. The king must have known that the Roman fort of Segontium, lying just above the modern town, was inseperably associated in legend with Magnus Maximus, the usurper emperor. Maximus appears as the Macsen Wledig of the Mabinogion, and it is Segontium which provides the background to his dream of journeying from Rome into a land of high mountains facing an island. There he saw a great city with towers of many colours and eagles fashioned out of gold.

Thus it was that at Caernarfon, the walls were given a prominent patterning with bands of different coloured stone. Moreover, the towers were constructed in an angular fashion rather than the usual rounded form of, for example, Conwy or Beaumaris. It is difficult to escape the conclusion that Edward was drawing upon symbolism, and turned for inspiration to the great city of Constantinople. There, in the eastern successor to Rome and one of the wonders of the ancient world, the fifth century walls bear a striking resemblance to this late thirteenth century castle."

Today, the castle houses the Museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, Wales' oldest regiment, and there are a number of exhibitions housed within its towers. You can also take a walk around the well preserved town walls.

Aside from the castle there is also a Roman fort, the Welsh Highland Railway, a floating restaurant, the Performing Arts Centre, craft shops, restaurants, the area's largest "Fun Centre", a golf course and indoor swimming pool and sports facilities at the Leisure centre. Whatever your interests, you'll be able to find something to do, even if the British weather lets you down.

Pictures Of Caernarfon Castle

Edward I built many castles in North Wales to help subdue the Welsh following his conquest of the principality in 1277 and the defeat of the Prince of Wales, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd. The other important fortresses of this "iron ring" were Beaumaris, Conwy, and Harlech, but Caernarfon is probably his supreme achievement.

Caernarfon Castle, overlooking the River Seiont and Menai Strait, looks today, much as it would have done when building was finished in 1330. With its massive curtain wall with different coloured bands, and its hexagonal towers, the design is reminiscent of the great Roman city of Constantinople.

Birthplace to the first English Prince of Wales, the tradition continues to this day, with the castle acting as the setting to the Investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales in 1969.

Construction: Begun in 1283 during Llywelyn's unsuccessful uprising, it reached something like its current state in 1323. It was never completed, and even today there are joints visible in several places on the internal walls ready to accept further walls which were never built. Contemporary records note that the castle's construction cost some £22,000 – an enormous sum at the time, equivalent to more than a year's income for the royal treasury. The castle's linear design is sophisticated by comparison with earlier British castles, and the walls are said to have been modelled on those of Constantinople, Edward being a keen Crusader. The castle dominates the Menai Strait, which had been of great strategic importance during Edward's Welsh campaigns.



Caernarfon Castle Trivia

• The castle was used in 1911 for the investiture of the then Prince of Wales, the future Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, because of its past associations with the English crown. This set a precedent which was to be repeated in 1969 with the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales.

• The castle also houses the regimental museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, and is part of the World Heritage Site "Castles and town walls of King Edward I in Gwynedd".

• A legend states that Edward II of England was born here in 1284, but there is no contemporary evidence.

Caernarfon Castle

Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Waless many castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest and, to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intentions of its builder, Edward I.
Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL5 2AY



Of the four castles in northern Wales built by order of Edward I, Caernarfon Castle is the most magnificent. The grandeur Caernarfon Castle displays signifies King Edward I's intent that it should serve as the powerful seat of English government in Wales. Building work commenced in 1283 and continued for some fifty years.

Caernarfon Castle was constructed in the form of two baileys, joined to create a figure eight shape, and completed part of a large defence wall that enclosed the town of Caernarfon. Adjoining the nine curtain walls of the castle are a series of polygonal towers which distinguish this castle from Edward's other Welsh castles. The eastern bailey of Caernarfon Castle - the Upper Ward - contains the Black Tower, Queen's Gate, Northeast Tower and Granary Tower, and the Lower Ward, to the west, houses the Well Tower, Eagle Tower and Queen's Tower. Where the baileys meet, there is the King's Gate to the north, which provided an entrance to the castle from the town, and the Chamberlain Tower to the south.

During the first phase of building, a ditch was created to separate the town to the north from Caernarfon Castle to the south, and the moat was excavated. The town walls were completed within the first two years, along with the majority of the castle's curtain walls. In 1294 the people of Wales revolted against the English administration of the town. Once the town walls were breached, the ditch afforded the castle little protection and consequently Caernarfon suffered severe damage during the revolt. Following this invasion, the second phase of building work commenced to strengthen Caernarfon Castle's defences. Firstly, the north curtain wall was constructed, then a series of secondary barriers - including a drawbridge, five doorways and six portcullises - were installed, before final access to the Lower Ward was possible via a second drawbridge. A statue of King Edward II, the first English Prince of Wales, was erected in 1321 and can be seen above the entrance at the King's Gate.

At the same time as the new defence work was being undertaken, the timber-framed 'Hall of Llywelyn', originally situated at Conwy, was shipped to Caernarfon and erected within the castle. One of the three-storey towers along the northern wall - The Eagle Tower - served as the main living quarters, and this significance was denoted by three turrets (and a stone eagle added at the end of the 13th century). This polygonal, ten-sided tower has a strange legend attached to it concerning the bands of colour used in the walls: reputedly copied from the walls of Constantinople to commemorate the fact that Constantine the Great was born at the nearby Roman fort. The Queen's Tower, almost identical to the Eagle Tower, currently houses the regimental regalia of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, dating back to 1689. The Queen's Gate was never fully completed, as indeed was the case with many of the castle buildings, because some of the original plans were never implemented.

This huge, old fortress has survived remarkably in tact for almost seven centuries, although only foundations survive of many of the courtyard buildings. Caernarfon Castle is an awesome and powerful sight, and its vast structure still overshadows the town as it sits defiantly along the banks of the River Seiont. It is also a magical place for exploration with its labyrinth of covered passageways and exciting wall walks.

Paintings Of Beaumaris Castle

This unusual, yet magnificent building, located in the county town of Anglesey was the last Welsh castle of Edward I. In keeping with its 'fairytale' appearance, even the name 'Beaumaris' is derived from the French for beautiful marsh - 'le beau marais'.

Beaumaris Castle owes its unique design to the King's architect, Master James of St. George. Construction began in 1295, and spanned over approximately 35 years, yet despite the enormous amount of money and labour that went into the building of it, Beaumaris Castle was never completed. Most of the structural remains on this extensive site today have changed little since the 1330s. Beaumaris Castle was never subject to wilful destruction, and the deterioration to lead-work and timber is merely as a result of lack of restoration over the years. The uniform topography of the marshy land adjacent to the Menai Straight, allowed Master James to design Beaumaris Castle with perfect symmetry and, in keeping with that period, Beaumaris has no keep or central tower.

Although the defence strategies were never really called upon, the major consideration in the original construction of the castle was security. All residential accommodation was situated either within the Inner ward, or in adjacent towers. Encompassing the Inner Ward were four defence barriers - a curtain wall (up to 16ft or 4.8m thick), an Outer Ward with an area of open ground to its exterior, a lower octagonal-shaped outer curtain, and a surrounding moat, water for which was provided by tidal flow from the sea.

Entrance to the Inner Ward resembles a well-thought out obstacle course, with fourteen defence barriers to overcome. There's a drawbridge over the moat, murder slots, and a robust door located at the 'Gate next the Sea' on the outer curtain wall, followed by two further barriers: the door to the barbican, and the barbican itself. On reaching the main gatehouse, several more murder slots, portcull

ises, outward-opening doors and spy-holes are encountered.The curtain wall of the Inner Ward has a tower on each corner, plus a middle tower on the East and West walls, and a two-turreted North Gatehouse and South Gatehouse, neither of which were completed.

The design of the North Gatehouse was based on the gatehouse at Harlech Castle, yet was intended to be much larger had it been finished. The construction of the Southern Gatehouse reached an even lower level of completion, with the turrets standing no higher than the curtain walls. The Chapel, displaying a fine, ribbed stone vaulted ceiling, is located on the first floor of the middle tower on the East curtain wall and can be reached by a modern timber staircase from the courtyard. From the wall walk, between the fragmented battlements, a wonderful 'birds eye' view is possible of this splendid residential fortress.

Beaumaris Castle is a beautiful, evocative and very photogenic place, but due to its squat appearance does not dominate its surroundings like some other Welsh castles. However, having survived the best part of seven centuries in such amazing condition, it is a castle that any family could take much pleasure in exploring.

Pictures Of Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris is situated on the Menai Straits in Anglesey North Wales. The name comes from the old french for beautiful marsh "beau mareys".



It's location close to the two bridges that join the mainland to Anglesey make it suitable for touring both the Isle of Anglesey and the Snowdonia National Park. Anglesey prides itself on it's many fantastic beaches and is also popular for horse riding, walking, bird watching, angling, canoeing, and cycling.



There are a number of hotels and holiday cottages either within the town or close by. The town of Beaumaris is renowned for its Castle.



Beaumaris Castle stands impressively on the edge of the Menai Straits and was part of the iron ring of castles built to subdue the Welsh by the English king.



Edward the 1st began building the Castle here in 1295, but due to a shortage of money and supplies the castle was never completed. It did however see military action during the Welsh Revolt when it fell to the supporters of Owain Glyndwr in 1403 . The town later served as an administrative centre and port, until in late Georgian times the town became popular with holidaymakers and established itself as a tourist resort by marketing its many attractions such as the pier, the green on the seafront, the children's playground adjacent to the castle walls, the Museum of Childhood, and the ancient Court House and Gaol. These latter attractions are today part of an interesting audio tour that recreate past crimes and punishments including the trial and incarceration, in the condemned cell of Beaumaris Gaol, of Richard Rowlands the last man to be hung there in 1862.


From the outside Beaumaris appears almost handsome, it does not rear up menacingly like other fortresses but sits amid a scenic setting overlooking mountains and the sea partially surrounded by a water-filled moat. The gate next-the-sea entrance protected the tidal dock which allowed supply ships to sail right up to the castle.

Today Beaumaris is a bustling little place, a cross between a seaside resort and a market town, and with the building of a new marina is set to become even more popular with the yachting set. Lets hope the new development enhances it's superb location, and respects the marine environment of the Menai Strait.

Beaumaris Castle

A Bird's Eye View Of Beaumaris Castle, located in North Wales, and was never completed. Castle Street, Beaumaris, Anglesey LL58 8AP
Admission prices in 2005 were: £3 (adults), £2.50 (concessions), free (under 5s), £8.50 family (2 adults and up to 3 children).

Beaumaris Castle, located in Beaumaris, Anglesey, was built as part of Edward I's campaign in North Wales. Begun in 1295, it was designed by James of St. George. It was designed using a concentric plan, with its inner ward completely surrounded by an outer ward. For various reasons, the castle was never fully completed.

Beaumaris (beau mareys - fair marsh) Castle was the last of Edward I's fortresses in North Wales and was built to complement Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech castles in the same area. Many people regard Beaumaris as the most architecturally perfect castle in Britain, and it has been designated as a World Heritage site. However, the fortress was never fully completed as finances and material ran out before it reached its full height.

The King's architect, Master James of St George, brought all his experience to bear when constructing Beaumaris: its defences and lines of supply are superbly thought out. The castle has a tidal dock which allowed it to be supplied directly from the sea, and it is surrounded by a water-filled moat. The defences also include numerous ingeniously sited arrow slits, and the entrances are protected by murder holes from which substances such as hot oil could be poured over invaders. Any attack on Beaumaris Castle would have to overcome 14 separate obstacles and four lines of fortifications made possible by the clever 'walls within walls' design.

The castle is run and managed by Cadw, (the Welsh Assesmbly Government's agency for historic monuments), which provides visitors with a guidebook, an exhibition, gifts and souvenirs, good disabled access and picnic facilities in the castle grounds. Ducks and swans swim on the castle moat.

History Of Conwy Castle

The magnificent Edwardian Castle and town walls are a World Heritage Site and after a visit to the town you will understand why they have been chosen for this award. The castle itself is one of the most impressive examples of mediaeval military architecture and offers spectacular views of both the estuary and the mountains of Snowdonia. Visitors can also walk along the almost complete town walls between Uppergate Street and Berry Street. The circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World.


A SHORT HISTORY OF THE TOWN: In the year 1283 King Edward 1 and his English army had completed the conquest of Snowdonia and terminated the rule of the Welsh princes. The capture of Dolwyddelan Castle gave Edward the control of the Conwy valley and he moved to Conwy in March of 1283. Here the monastery of Aberconwy, the spiritual heart of Gwynedd and the burial place of Llewelyn the Great, was destroyed and a new home for the monks was built at Maenan some 8 miles away. All that remained was the unfinished abbey church which was to become St. Mary’s Church the parish church of the new town, which it still remains. Edward immediately set about organising the building of the Castle and within 4 short years this " the most magnificent of Edward 1's Castles" would be substantially complete. Conwy Castle has withstood the passage of time and today the views from the battlements are breathtaking looking out across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castles 125ft Great Hall. It is from these battlements that visitors can best appreciate Conwy's other great glory, its ring of town walls. Conwy is the classic walled town. Its circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World.




The story of the castle and walled town of Conwy begins in the year 1283. King Edward 1 and his English army had completed the conquest of Snowdonia and terminated the rule of the Welsh princes.

On 18 January 1283 the capture of Dolwyddelan Castle gave Edward the control of the Conwy valley and he moved to Conwy in March of 1283. Here the monastery of Aberconwy, the spiritual heart of Gwynnedd and the burial place of Llewelyn the Great, was destroyed and a new home for the monks was built at Maenan some 8 miles away. All that remained was the unfinished abbey church which was to become the parish church of the new town, which it still remains.

Conwy castle was to be built above the original tomb of Llewelyn the Great. Edward immediately set about organising the building of the Castle. Under the supervision of James of St George and his associate at Conwy James of Chester, the Master carpenters Henry of Oxford and Laurence of Canterbury and Mason John Francis had charge over a force of English craftsmen and labourers that reached a peak of 1500 strong in the summer of 1285, and within 4 short years this " the most magnificent of Edward 1's Castles" would be substantially complete.

The cost to Edward of building Conwy was near to £15,000, indeed the cost of the five major Castles - Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, Cricieth, and Beaumaris - built after the war of 1282 - 3 and the revolt of 1294 was around £60,000. The total cost to Edward for his Welsh campaigns and Castle building was in the region of a third of a million pounds. More than ten times his annual income. That he went to the bank , the Riccardi Company of Tuscany to borrow the money ( £122,000 between the years of 1276 and 1287 specifically to finance his Welsh campaign ) I personally find very surprising and reveals a sophistication of the times of which I was previously unaware. It has been said that the increase in the banker's business due to the conquest of Wales was a considerable factor in the growth of international capitalism.

The stone used for the main part in the construction of the Castle and Walls is the hard grey Silurian grit of which the Castle rock itself is formed.There is a large quarry on the Llangelynin road, not far outside the Upper Gate which may have been the source. The yellowish brown "rhyolite" rock used in the spur wall and in the northern and eastern parts of the town walls could have been obtained from nearby at Bodlondeb Hill or Conwy Mountain. Pinkish sandstone probably from the nearby Creuddyn peninsular across the river is the likely source of the stones dressed to form the windows, door-jambs, arrow loops , chimneys etc. While sandstone from Chester is known to have been used in the construction of the 14th century roof arches.

Timber would have been brought down river from Trefriw and beyond, and the lead and coal for the forges came by sea from near Flint. Iron and steel and nails were purchased at Newcastle under Lyme. Sand for the mortar was brought from over the river at Deganwy. Purple slate may have come from Ogwen or by cart from nearby Llangelynin. Simon the Glazier from Chester may have supplied the glass as he had at Caernarfon.

Photographs Of Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle is a medieval walled town and Castle with a picturesque harbour overlooking the estuary of the River Conwy.

Conwy Castle (sometimes spelled Conway Castle) is a castle in Conwy, North Wales. It was built between 1283 and 1289 as part of King Edward I's second campaign in north Wales. Like many of the castles in the area, it was designed by James of St. George, although Richard of Chester was responsible for the initial stages. The castle is divided into two wards, with the outer ward and inner ward surrounded by four towers each, with turrets.

Conwy superficially resembles a Concentric castle, but more accurately it is linear. Like Caenarfon Castle, it is built on a rock outcrop, to reduce the possibility of undermining. It also takes advantage of other geographical features.

Nearby Bodysgallen Hall was built in the 13th century as a watchtower for Conwy Castle to lookout for attack from a northerly exposure not easily watched from Conwy itself. Some of the stone used in construction of Conwy Castle has been linked to a quarry at the Bodysgallen property (C.M. Hogan, History of Bodysgallen Hall, July, 2004, Aberdeen Municipal Library Acrchives, Aberdeen, United Kingdom).

The castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a World Heritage Site.

Today Conwy is a bustling town catering for both tourists and the local community. Ancient buildings sit comfortably among more recent properties and there is an abundance of places to visit. Top of the list is the Castle, but there are many more including Plas Mawr, an architectural gem, said to be the finest surviving town house of the Elizabethan era to be found anywhere in Britain. Or down towards the quayside you will find Aberconwy House a 14th-century merchant's house believed to be not only the oldest house in Conwy but the oldest town house in Wales. It has been carefully restored to reflect the daily life of its residents over time.

On the quayside you may enter the smallest house in Britain, or visit the Aquarium and Conwy mussel museum. Take a boat trip on the river and see the Great Orme, or sail upriver to see the full beauty of the Conwy Estuary and the Conwy Valley.


Conwy also offers the chance to see what is probably the worst designed building in Britain.....the extension to the public library near the quayside. You could not find a more inappropriate place for such an ugly concrete monstrosity. Conwy has some very fine hotel accommodation, pubs, restaurants, and tea rooms, all offering excellent food and drink with a warm welcome and friendly service.

Paintings Of Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle was designed for King Edward I by Master James of St. George and was built between 1283 and 1289. James of St. George was a master mason summoned from mainland Europe to implement Edward's plans. He was born around 1230 and worked on a number of great European castles before starting on his massive undertaking for Edward. The beautiful Beaumaris Castle was his last design in Wales and with this he had perfected the concept of the "concentric castle".

Conwy is said to have been captured as the result of a trick in 1401. On Good Friday, with most of the garrison at church, a carpenter gained access and admitted a group of Welsh rebels who proclaimed their allegiance to Owain Glyndwr. Most were pardoned when the castle was finally returned to the crown, others were jailed.

Conwy Castle is one of the earliest examples of Edward I's "iron ring" of castles built to pacify the rebellious princes of northern Wales.

Edward finally subdued the Welsh threat in Snowdonia in 1283. Well aware of the strategic importance of Conwy to the area, Edward immediately began building a massive castle there. So important was the castle to Edward that he imported up to 1,500 craftsmen from all over England to speed the building process. The castle was completed in only four years, a remarkable feat in those days.

Conwy is unusual in that the castle walls swoop down from the high cliffs where the castle stands, to enclose the entire medieval town. Some of the wall has disappeared over the centuries, but in general it has fared well, and a visitor can walk along the old battlements. There are still 21 towers along the course of the wall, and the three gateways flanked by twin towers gives you a sense of the original grandeur of Edward's scheme.

The reason for the strong defensive walls becomes clear when you consider that Edward not only imported builders, he imported a whole population of English settlers to Conwy! These new settlers were carefully protected from the local Welsh population by the castle and town walls. In a sense, Conwy became an outpost of England within hostile enemy territory.

The castle itself is comprised of eight massive round towers forming a rectangle. This in itself sets Conwy apart from the model of concentric rings Edward and Master James perfected at most of his other Welsh castles.

Conwy Castle saw its last military action during the English Civil War. Cromwell's Parliamentary army besieged the castle for three months in 1646 before the defenders capitulated. After the Restoration of the monarchy the Earl of Conwy took ownership of the castle. The Earl unfortunately used his position to strip the castle of iron, timber, and lead for building, leaving Conwy open to centuries of disintegration and neglect.

The castle is remarkably well preserved, especially considering the depredations of the Earl, and terrific views of the harbour and town of Conwy can be had from the towers. The Inner Ward contains the royal apartments built for Edward and Queen Eleanor in 1283. These apartments originally rose above heated basements, but the floors are no longer intact.

The importance of Conwy Castle from an architectural standpoint is borne out by the fact that it has been named a World Heritage Listed Site.

In the village of Conwy you can see the Smallest House in Britain, the Teapot Museum, and Aberconwy House, an authentic 14th century merchant's dwelling. Also, Conwy is home to the striking Conwy Suspension Bridge, built by Thomas Telford in 1826.

Conwy Castle

Conwy was more than a castle, a small town was protected by 1,400 yards of wall on average 24 feet thick. Some of this can be walked upon and it provides a view of what has been called a masterpiece of military engineering.

Conwy castle is a gritty, dark stoned fortress which has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. The first time that visitors catch sight of the castle, commanding a rock above the Conwy Estuary and demanding as much attention as the dramatic Snowdonia skyline behind it, they know they are in the presence of a historic site which still casts a powerful spell.


Conwy, constructed by the English monarch Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as one of the key fortresses in his 'iron ring' of castles to contain the Welsh, was built to prompt such a humbling reaction.

A distinguished historian wrote of Conwy, 'Taken as a whole, Conwy's incomparably the most magnificent of Edward I's Welsh fortresses'. In comparison to other great Edwardian castles it is also relatively straightforward in design, a reflection of the inherent strength of its siting.


There are no concentric 'walls within walls' here, because they were not needed. Conwy's massive military strength springs from the rock on which it stands and seems to grow naturally. Soaring curtain walls and eight huge round towers give the castle (a World Heritage Inscribed site) an intimidating presence undimmed by the passage of time.

The views from the battlements are breathtaking looking out across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castles 125ft Great Hall. It is from these battlements that visitors can best appreciate Conwy's other great glory, its ring of town walls.


For many years the castle was not properly maintained and it was bought by Viscount Conwy in 1628 for just 100 pounds. The local authority took over in the 19th century and now the castle is cared for by Cadw (Welsh Historic Monuments).



Conwy is the classic walled town. Its circuit of walls, over three quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the World.

History Of Olavinlinna Castle

In the beginning of the 14th century a peace treaty was made between Sweden and Novgorod (Russia), according to which the eastern border of Sweden went through Savonlinna region. At that time Finland was a part of Sweden. However, the border line remained unfixed and this caused continual fights. In the 15th century Grand Duchy of Moscow became more powerful and even more threatening.

There was only one castle in Wyborg, further down in south-east, to protect the eastern border of Sweden-Finland. The Swedes decided to build a castle in order to improve safety on the eastern border and to control an important waterway. Olavinlinna castle was founded by Erik Axelsson Tott. The building work began in 1475. The Russians did their best to disturb the work, in their opinion the castle was built on their side of the border.

Erik Axelsson was a Danish knight (in the 15th century Sweden-Finland was still united with Denmark and Norway). He named Olavinlinna Castle, or St. Olof's Castle, after the patron saint of all knights, St. Olof. St. Olof lived in the 11th century and he was a famous Norwegian crusader.

Olavinlinna castle was built on a rocky island in Lake Saimaa area. The castle was easy to defend all year round, water floats around the castle so fast that it hardly ever freezes. The medieval castle consisted of three towers and the connecting walls between them. Two of these towers still exist, the Bell Tower and the Church Tower. The third, St.Eric's Tower, tumbled down or was pulled down in the beginning of the 18th century. Later a bailey, two more towers and apartments were added.

Olavinlinna castle served as a Swedish border castle until the beginning of the 18th century. The Great Northern War broke out in 1700. In 1714 Olavinlinna Castle had to surrender to Russian soldiers, there was no food and munition left in the castle after a long siege. The first Russian period was short and was over in 1721. In a peace treaty the border line was moved again and Swedes got their castle back.

In 1743 Olavinlinna Castle became a Russian garrison again after a peace treaty of Turku. At that time Russians stayed in the castle for nearly 100 years.

Olavinlinna Castle lost its' military purpose in 1809 when Finland became an autonomous part of Russia. However, Russian soldiers stayed in the castle until 1847. Finland became independent in 1917.

In the 1850's castle served as a prison for a few years. In the 1860's two fires caused extensive damage to the castle. First restorations were made already in the 19th century, but the castle was restored thoroughly between 1961-1975.

Olavinlinna Castle is nowadays run and owned by the Finnish state. It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Nordic countries. It hosts Savonlinna Opera Festival every July ( http://www.operafestival.fi/ ). The castle is open to tourists all year round and it is a popular venue for e.g. wedding receptions, concerts and theatre performances.