Caernarfon Castle
Magnificent Caernarfon Castle stands on the busy quayside in the town of Caernarfon at the mouth of the River Seiont.
The castle was built by King Edward I, following his conquest of Wales and can be fairly said to be one of the finest castles in Wales. Edward employed the services of his master mason James of St. George to design the castle at Caernarfon.
Building commenced in 1283 and took ten years to complete, it was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also to act as a seat of government and royal palace and the building has a highly commanding presence. The ill-fated Edward II, the first English Prince of Wales, was born at the castle in 1284.
Caernarfon Castle is extensive, covering almost three acres. The outer walls are 8-10 feet thick and have thirteen turrets. Bestriding the mouth of the River Seiont at a strategically important point, the castle boasts unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour banded masonry and dominates the walled town of Caernarfon. The cost of construction totalled £22,000 a hefty sum for the time. The castle was never completed, and careful examination will reveal joints visible in several places on the internal walls, which where intended to accept further walls which were never built.
There is a fine statue of the castle's founder, Edward I and his consort, Eleanor of Castille under the tower by the north gate. The castle also houses the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. The 'Eagle and Dragon' audio-visual display relates the story of the building of Caernarfon and its rich history. Caernarfon is now listed as a World Heritage Site.
The castle was the birthplace of the first English Prince of Wales, Edward (later the ill fated Edward II), son of Edward I. More recently it has been the venue for the 1911 investiture as Prince of Wales of the future Edward VIII and the investiture of Prince Charles in 1969.
Opening times
Winter 2006/07:- 1 Oct- 31 Oct 9.30a.m. - 5p.m. daily1 Nov- 31 Mar, 9.30- 4p.m. daily, Mon- Sat, 11a.m -4p.m. Sun.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Closed 24 - 26 Dec and 1 Jan