Jan
12
2010
An English Castle in Wales
Author: adminCaernarfon Castle is to be found in North Wales, and is a leftover of the time when the English and the Welsh fought bitterly around seven hundred and thirty years ago. King Edward I was the fearsome King who was responsible for bringing the welsh to heel, and at that time built so many castles in this part of Wales that it is believed that no other country on this earth has as many castles per square mile. It all began with the Roman garrisons, Norman strongholds, and Anglo Saxon Forts, and now means that there are over 300 castles to explore, from what amounts to little more than a pile of stones to the huge medieval constructions. North Wales saw Edwards I build a series of castles numbering more than a dozen as he attempted to bring Wales under his control. Caernarfon castle is located on the Menai Strait, built on a site known since the Roman occupation as the gateway to Snowdonia and the heartlands of Wales, so a really strategic position. There is little doubt that Caernarfon was the greatest of Edward’s castles, and his official residence in North Wales. It was also the seat of his government. To this day the octagonal thirteenth century towers dominate the town below. Of great significance was the fact that King Edward’s son who was to become in his turn King Edward II was born here in 1284, and then given the title Prince of Wales in 1301. Whether this had the desired effect of placating the warrior like Welsh isn’t known!! It began an English tradition which continues to the present day, and the current Prince of Wales amid great pomp and ceremony became the Prince of Wales at an investiture at Caernarfon Castle in 1969. A less distinguished future monarch who was to abdicate in 1936 was the future Edward VIII was invested at the castle in 1911. Caernarfon castle is an impressive place by any standards, and one way to see it is from the water, where it gives you a real idea of how an attack from the sea all these years ago would have been completely unthinkable. Caernarfon Castle is some eight miles south west of Bangor, and it is true to say, that it is difficult to miss. If you are going to visit Caernarfon Castle then you will need somewhere to stay, and you will be very fortunate because some of the best farmhouse hospitality is to be found in this very attractive part of North Wales. You ought to check out Ty’n Rhos and its 70 acre farmstead, as it is one of the loveliest country hotels in Wales. It is a family run inn and is famed for the quality of its kitchen, and would be a great base for anyone wishing to explore this part of the welsh countryside. There are many excellent bed and breakfasts, so there is no need to spend a fortune when enjoying your visit to Caernarfon Castle and its surrounds.
