Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon (North Wales)

King Edward I intended this castle to be a royal residence and seat of government for north Wales.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Information provided Public car parking for a charge (nearby)

Introduction

King Edward intended this castle to be a royal residence and seat of government for north Wales. The castle's symbolic status was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284. In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the investiture of HRH Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. 

History to the present day

The first fortifications at Caernarfon were built by the Romans and their fort, which they named Segontium, is on the outskirts of the modern town. Following the Norman Conquest of England the Norman Robert of Rhuddlan was notionally in charge of the whole of northern Wales however he was killed by the Welsh in 1088.

To reassert control of Wales, Robert’s cousin the Earl of Chester built three castles, one of which was Caernarfon. This early castle would have been a motte and bailey, and was located on a peninsula surrounded by the River Seiont, the Menai Strait. The motte was integrated into the later Castle but the location of the original bailey is uncertain.

War broke out again between England and Wales on 22 March 1282, but in 1283 Edward I was victorious and began building castles in Harlech and Caernarfon. These castles along with Conwy were the most impressive of their time in Wales, and helped establish English rule over the territory.
 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Caernarfon Castle, North Wales, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

 

01.11.09 - 31.03.10: Monday - Saturday 9.30 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

01.04.10 - 30.06.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

01.07.10 - 31.08.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 18.00

01.09.10 - 31.10.10: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

01.11.10 - 28.02.11: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 16.00, Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

01.03.11 - 31.03.11: Monday - Sunday 9.30 - 17.00

 

Admission prices:

 

Adult: £4.95

Concession: £4.60

Family: £14.50

Entry is free for Welsh residents aged 60 and over or 16 and under who have a valid pass. 

 

 

Photographs courtesy of CADW photographic library.