







I'm spoiling you a bit with this post, because it includes the photos from both my October 2017 visit (below) and my May 2018 visit (above).





Harlech Castle was built atop a spur of rock near the Irish Sea by Edward I during his invasion and subjugation of Wales between 1282 and 1289. The castle was designed by famed savoy architect and military engineer James of St George, who was also responsible for Conwy, Beaumaris, and Caernarfon.





As per Wikipedia -





Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars, withstanding the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn between 1294–95, but falling to Owain Glyndŵr in 1404. It then became Glyndŵr's residence and military headquarters for the remainder of the uprising until being recaptured by English forces in 1409. During the 15th century Wars of the Roses, Harlech was held by the Lancastrians for seven years, before Yorkist troops forced its surrender in 1468, a siege memorialised in the song Men of Harlech. Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1647 when it became the last fortification to surrender to the Parliamentary armies.





The castle is now managed by CADW and open to the public (free for members, fee otherwise). There's a small car park onsite.









Castle Site Plan







