Conwy Castle, Conwy (North Wales)

Conwy castle is one of the most outstanding achievements of medieval military architecture.

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

Introduction

Built for King Edward I between 1283-87, Master James of St George's design at Conwy remains one of the most outstanding achievements of medieval military architecture. The distinctive elongated shape, with its two barbicans, eight massive towers and great bow-shaped hall, was perhaps determined by the narrow rocky outcrop on which the castle stands.

History to the present day

Conwy Castle is one of the ring of castles built by Edward I to rule north Wales after he defeated the Welsh princes. A walled town for English settlers was established at the same time.

The walls and castle are remarkably complete and, along with Caernarfon Castle and town wall, Harlech Castle and Beaumaris Castle, in 1987 they were added to the World Heritage List of sites of outstanding value.

Conwy Castle, built on a rocky outcrop, controls the crossing of the river Conwy, at the eastern edge of Gwynedd.

Edward I personally oversaw the planning of the castle and town between January and May 1283, and the work was supervised by Master James of St George, one of the greatest military architects of his day. In summer 1285, 1500 workmen were employed, and two years later the work was largely completed.

In such an exposed position, the building soon began to decay. In 1332 it was said to be not fit for the king to stay in. In 1346 the buildings were re-roofed in lead. In the great hall range, stone arches strong enough to support a lead roof replaced the previous timber trusses.

The castle was seized by followers of Owain Glyn Dwr in 1401. Little maintenance seems to have been carried out until the castle was repaired by supporters of the king in the Civil War. After that, the roof was removed.

The castle was attractive to artists in the eighteenth century and it was painted by J. M. W. Turner. When Thomas Telford's road bridge and later the railway brought visitors to Conwy, more interest was shown in the castle.

It was given to the borough in 1865 and is now in the care of Cadw, on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Conwy 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 - £4.60

Concession - £4.10

Family - £13.30

A joint ticket for Conwy Castle and Plas Mawr is available:

Adult £6.85, Concession £5.85, Family £19.55

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

 

 

All photographs courtesy of CADW photographic library.