Harlech Castle, Gwynedd

Located on a cliff top that overlooks the Irish Sea, Harlech Castle is often said to be one of the greatest of all British buildings, despite being over seven hundred years old. Once an important symbol of English might, today the Welsh castle attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Built in Gwynedd upon the orders of Edward I, Harlech Castle would become one of the iron ring of forts in Wales.

Designed and built by Master James of St George, from 1283 through 1289, the aim of Harlech Castle was to prevent Welsh insurrection. The successful design of the castle ensured that Harlech Castle would prove to be a difficult castle to take.

Harlech Castle - Cadw - Open Gov v1

Within five years of completion Harlech Castle was besieged by Madog ap Llywelyn; surviving due to the foresight which saw a defendable slipway to the sea constructed. This slipway enabled supplies to be shipped in.

In 1404 though, the castle did fall to the forces of Owain Glyndwr, with the castle subsequently being the virtual capital of the dissident Welsh nation. The Welsh forces themselves though would succumb to an English siege in 1408.

Harlech Castle is arguably most famous for the seven year siege during the war of the Roses, when the castle was the last Lancastrian stronghold to fall. This siege would give rise to the song Men of Harlech, a military song linked with Welsh regiments, and immortalised in the 1964 film, Zulu.
Even into the seventeenth century, when gunpowder was now widely utilised on the battlefield, Harlech Castle would prove to be nigh on impregnable. The castle proved to be the last Royalist stronghold during the English Civil War, only surrendering once the war was lost.

Following the end of the English Civil War, Harlech Castle was rendered useless as a fortification by the Parliamentarian forces. The destruction though was not so severe as with other Royalist strongholds, and even today what is left is an impressive castle.

Castell Harlech - Eirian Evans - CC-BY-SA-2.0

Harlech Castle is now overseen by Cadw, the Welsh version of English Heritage and Historic Scotland.

Cadw ensure that the castle is kept in good condition and open to the public. Part of the cost of this upkeep is offset by a small entrance fee levied to gain access to the castle.

Details of admission prices, as well as opening hours, can be checked on the Cadw webpage for Harlech Castle, and it is certainly worth checking before travelling as both are subject to change. The price of admission is very reasonable, especially compared with entrance fees for other historical monuments across Britain.

Access to Harlech Castle is gained via the village of Harlech which has grown alongside the castle. From a distance away though the castle can be easily viewed, and the imposing site that it was in the thirteenth century, has hardly been diminished with the passage of time.

Entrance through the imposing gatehouse on the eastern face of the castle offers the first chance to really see the strength of Harlech Castle.

The gatehouse was the only area of the castle that was vulnerable to attack, but it itself was guarded by three portcullises. The basic design of the concentric castle can still be seen and walked around today, although the magnificent outer walls are but a small portion of what they once were.
The towers of the castle lead to wall walks although some areas of the castle buildings are cordoned off because of possible structural instabilities. As you wander around the castle impressive views over land and sea can be gained.

Harlech Castle - Pat Barton - CC-BY-SA-2.0

Many of the other buildings that were hemmed behind the castle walls have gone, although foundations can be easily seen.

Harlech Castle nonetheless is a great place to visit, most children will love to explore the semi-ruins, and time a visit correctly, and there might even be re-enactments going on. The Harlech Medieval Society do put on displays with knights fighting and other medieval activities.

Amenities on site are limited to a small shop and toilets, but the town of Harlech offers everything else needed to really make a day of visiting the town and castle.

Visiting the ruins of a castle may not be to everyone’s liking, but Harlech Castle does for those interested inform about the history of Wales and its rivalry with England, whilst the building is an impressive feat of engineering.

Copyright - First Published 21st October 2010