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Castles
Let me bring them alive for you!
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Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. So, whether your interest is in the early Welsh strongholds of the Princes of Gwynedd, the might of Edward I's fortresses or Victorian
gothic, we've got it all and your friendly, qualified guide will bring the history and architecture to life!
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 Welsh Built - Dolbadarn
At the end of the thirteenth century, the Welsh took a leaf out of the Norman book and
 constructed stone fortresses for themselves. Dominating the pass of Llanberis this Welsh castle was probably built by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth
(The Great) and his grandson, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (The Last), imprisoned his elder brother Owain Goch (Owen the Red) there for 20 years. His younger brother Dafydd, lived there before the Earl of Pembroke captured the castle for Edward I. But it was back in Welsh hands again in 1401 when Owain
Glyndwr imprisoned his enemy there. With magnificent views of Snowdon, the crags of the Llanberis Pass, the beautiful lake of Padarn and the sessile oaks of the surrounding woodland - this castle's got it
all! Let me show it to you.
Other Examples - Dolwyddelan, Ewloe, Dinas Bran, Criccieth, Dolforwyn, Castell y
Bere
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Edwardian Conquest - Caernarfon
Edward I defeated Llewelyn ap Gruffyd - the last Welsh prince of Wales and, in 1283,
 began this, the strongest link in his iron ring of castles around the Welsh princes' heartland. With it's nine towers, two great gatehouses and huge curtain walls banded with different coloured stone it certainly awes with the strength and
majesty Edward wanted to project. It has a rich history too from the proclamation of Edward I's son - the future Edward II - Prince of Wales to the modern investiture in 1969 of Charles. The walled town, docks and
Roman fort make the town a fascinating place to spend at least half a day.
Other Examples - Conwy, Beaumaris, Harlech, Rhuddlan, Fflint, Denbigh,
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Tudor Mansions - Gwydir Castle
Nestling in the beautiful Conwy Valley, Gwydir was built by the illustrious Wynn family
c1500. Gwydir is a  fine example of a Tudor courtyard house, incorporating re-used medieval material from the
nearby dissolved Abbey of
Maenan. Additions date from c1600 and c1826. The house and gardens are undergoing
restoration by its enthusiastic young owners, most notably the re-installation of the important 1640s dining room paneling, recently returned from the New York Metropolitan Museum.
Other Examples - Plas Mawr,
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Victorian Gothic -Penrhyn
This dramatic neo-Norman fantasy castle near Bangor was built by Thomas Hopper between 1820 and 1845 for the wealthy
Pennant family, who made their fortune from the three S's -Sugar, slaves and slate. Hooper also designed its interior with elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture and the castle is crammed with fascinating things such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria and an outstanding collection of paintings. We can also explore the extensive parkland with an exotic tree and shrub collection and a Victorian walled garden.
Other examples - Plas Newydd, Bodelwyddelan Castle |
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