Conwy Castle Llandudno
Wales
Conwy Castle stands above the River Conwy and Conwy Estuary at the town of Conwy in North Wales.
The castle is one of the finest surviving examples of the medieval fortresses of King Edward I of England.
Construction of Conwy Castle began during the late 13th century from 1283 to 1289 as part of the English 'Iron Ring' to subjugate the Welsh uprisings that were taking place in Snowdonia and show the might of English power.
Conwy Castle dominates the skyline of the Cowny estuary and the town protected within its high stone walls.
Early Design
The castle was designed by King Edward I's master castle builder, James of St. George, and consists of a high curtain wall and eight turrets. Unlike most other Welsh castles, Conwy castle is part of the town walls which can still be walked upon today. The walk takes in a circumfrance of three quarters of a mile and twenty one towers offering spectacular views of the town along the way.
The castle was captured in the early 15th century by Owain Glyndwr but was later ransomed back to the English in return for money. Conwy Castle saw active service during the Civil War and was later stripped of its lead roof as its assets were turned into money by the lords of the day.
Today Conwy Castle majestic walls tower over the town of Conwy and its estuary. Responsibility for the castle is overseen by CADW, the agency responsible for all Welsh historic castles.
Visit the Conwy Castle website.