Exploring the Majestic Castles of Wales

Wales, often referred to as the ‘land of castles,’ boasts an astonishing 427 castles. If you visit Wales, it’s almost certain you’ll encounter one of these historic fortresses. For those who live here, many castles are familiar landmarks. The organization Cadw is responsible for maintaining 44 of these unique castles, each with its own story to tell.

The Evolution of Castle Building in Wales

Early Beginnings: Post-Battle of Hastings

After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror distributed land to his noble supporters, who in turn built castles to protect their newfound territories and help maintain control over Britain. The urgency to build quickly meant using locally available materials like timber and earth. Castles were strategically designed to provide maximum defense against attackers.

Types of Early Castles

1. Motte and Bailey Castles

   • Motte: A large mound of earth with a wooden tower on top, offering a vantage point.
   • Bailey: An enclosed courtyard, protected by a ditch, bank, and wooden palisade.

2. Ringwork Castles

   • These featured a bailey with a strong gate tower but lacked a motte.
   • Common in the border regions between England and Wales, as well as in southern and western Wales.

Transition to Stone Castles

From the late 11th century onwards, some timber and earth castles were rebuilt in stone, enhancing their durability and defensive capabilities.

1. Stone Keeps: Replacing wooden towers on mottes.
2. Stone Curtain Walls: Replacing wooden palisades.
3. Stone Towers: Reinforcing bailey gates.

Notable Early Stone Castles

• Chepstow Castle (Monmouthshire): The first stone castle in Wales, featuring a rectangular tower with multiple storeys.
• Ogmore Castle (near Bridgend): Another example of early stone keep architecture.

The Rise of Shell Keeps

In some motte and bailey castles, the timber palisade around the motte was replaced with stone, creating a shell keep. Examples include:

• Cardiff Castle (owned by Cardiff City Council)
• Tretower Castle (Cadw)

Round Keeps: A New Design

From about 1200 onwards, round keeps began to replace rectangular ones due to their improved resistance to attacks. Notable examples:

• Pembroke Castle (Pembrokeshire)
• Castell Bronllys (Powys)
• Skenfrith Castle (Gwent)

Living in the Keep

Stone keeps were not only fortresses but also residences for lords and their households. These keeps were sparsely furnished, with functional spaces like halls featuring tables, benches, and built-in stone seats.

Advancements in Castle Defenses

Enhancing Curtain Walls

Stone-built curtain walls surrounding the bailey were made thicker, stronger, and higher. Towers projecting from these walls provided better views and firing positions for soldiers.

Fortified Gatehouses

Gatehouses evolved from simple towers with archways to complex structures with twin D-shaped towers, arrow loops, and fortified passageways with gates, portcullises, and murder holes.

Concentric Castles

The concept of concentric castles, featuring multiple layers of defense, was introduced. An outer wall with additional towers surrounded the inner stronghold, often enhanced by moats.

Example: Caerphilly Castle

Built by Gilbert de Clare III starting in 1268, Caerphilly Castle was one of the first planned concentric castles.

Castles of the Welsh Princes

Welsh princes also built castles to defend their lands and important routes. Initially similar in design to Norman castles, these later evolved to feature distinctive characteristics.

Notable Castles by Welsh Princes

1. Castell Dolwyddelan: Built by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth with a rectangular keep.
2. Castell Dolbardarn: Also built by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, featuring a round keep.
3. Criccieth Castle: Constructed around 1230 with an inner ward and twin-towered gatehouse.
4. Castell Ewloe: Known for its strong D-shaped keep.

Edward I’s Campaign and Castles

Between 1276 and 1295, King Edward I built or rebuilt numerous castles to assert English rule over Wales. These castles showcased the latest in defensive architecture.

Prominent Castles of Edward I

1. Aberystwyth, Beaumaris, Builth, Caernarfon, Conwy, Flint, Harlech, Rhuddlan: Built by Edward I.
2. Chirk, Denbigh, Hawarden, Holt, Ruthin: Built by lords for Edward I.

World Heritage Sites

Four of the most complete castles built during this time are designated as World Heritage Sites:

1. Beaumaris Castle
2. Caernarfon Castle
3. Conwy Castle
4. Harlech Castle

Details on World Heritage Castles

• Caernarfon Castle: Begun in 1283, featuring nine towers and two gatehouses.
• Harlech Castle: Also begun in 1283, employing nearly 950 workers at its peak.
• Conwy Castle: Completed in four and a half years, costing over £15,000.
• Beaumaris Castle: Started in 1295, designed with a water-filled moat.

Castles in the Late Medieval and Early Modern Periods

After the conquest of Wales by Edward I, the need for military castles diminished. However, some castles were used for administrative purposes or adapted for more comfortable living.

Castles During Owain Glyndŵr’s Rebellion

Owain Glyndŵr’s campaigns in the early 15th century saw castles like Harlech being used as headquarters and sites for his parliament.

Peaceful Times and Castles’ New Roles

With the Acts of Union (1536-43), castles were no longer needed for defense. They were repurposed for administration, court sessions, and even as prisons.

Renaissance and Victorian Transformations

Some owners transformed their castles into grand residences. Examples include:

• Raglan Castle: Improved by William Somerset to include a grand hall, office wing, and long gallery.
• Chirk Castle and Powis Castle: Converted into grand houses.

The Civil War and Castles’ Last Hurrah

During the Civil War (1642-1651), castles were refortified. Notable sieges included:

• Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech: Besieged by the Parliamentarian army.
• Raglan Castle: Defended by the earl of Worcester and besieged in 1646.

The Revival of Medieval Architecture

From the late 18th century, interest in medieval architecture surged. Wealthy individuals remodeled their homes or built new structures resembling castles.

Notable 19th-Century Castles

1. Castell Coch: Near Cardiff, rebuilt between 1860 and 1880 for the marquess of Bute.
2. Penrhyn Castle: Near Bangor, built around 1820 for the Pennant family.

Summary

Wales’ castles, spanning centuries of history and architectural evolution, offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. From the early timber and earth fortifications to the grand stone castles of the medieval period and the elegant residences of the Renaissance and Victorian eras, each castle tells a unique story. Exploring these castles is like stepping back in time, offering insights into the lives of those who built and lived in these formidable structures.