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Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle (Castell Harlech)
- Built by English Edward I from 1283-1289 as one of the members of the 'Iron Ring' to contain the Welsh in the mountains
- This was mainly because of 2 military conflicts with Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Gwynedd, in 1277 and 1282
- Construction required 950 workmen at its peak and cost £9,500
- "Most remote and least known of the castles of Wales"
- Llywelyn ap lorwerth?
- Guarded route over mountains between the estuaries of Dyfi and the Mawddach
- Castle perched atop a 200ft (60m) rock
- Natural rock defenses also create a sense of harmony with its surroundings so it looks like the Castle was built out of the rock, unlike Edward's other castles
- Faces seaward and built out of a cliff-face, sea access was very important in case of siege
- Tremadog Bay may have originally come up to the cliff and the castle was originally whitened
- Gatehouse made by King's engineer Master James of St. George (1235-1208) for defense, storage, and accommodation; twin-towered, 1st point for attackers
- The towered outer gatehouse was the only level side to attack; the inner gatehouse had arrow loops, 2 barred gates, and 3 portcullises
- James attempted concentric design
- Attacked in 1404 by Owain Glyn Dŵr and seized, held castle for 5 years and had parliament there
- Established as Welsh royal court
- Glyn Dwr had an average garrison of 30 men
- Offers views of: Snowdonia, the Lleyn Penninsula, and the Sea
- Long siege during the War of the Roses inspired the song "Men of Harlech"
Sources: England & Wales (John Julius Norwich, ed.), Inspirational Heritage (Cadw), Castle guide panels
