Harlech Castle, Wales

The Harlech Castle is a medieval castle located in Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales. The castle was built by King Endward I between 1283 and 1290 during his conquest of Wales. The design was made by Master James of St. George on a concentric plan with two lines of defences dominated by a massive twin-towered gatehouse.



In 1404 was the Harlech Castle captured by Owain Glyndwr who made it his residence and headquarters but in 1408 it was recaptured by Prince Henry (later King Henry V). At the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses (1455–1487) was Harlech Castle held by the Lancastrian forces which managed to withstand a seven-year siege before they in 1468 surrendered to the Plantagenes. During the English Civil War (from 1642 to 1651) was the Harlech Castle the last Royalist stronghold to fall. After the end of the English Civil War was issued a demolition order but was not carried out. Despite that the Harlech Castle fell into a disrepair.

In 1986 was the Harlech Castle also inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites as part of Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. Today the castle is maintained by the Cadw and is open to the public.