A Week Around Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortification in Caernarfon, Gwynedd, north-west Wales cared for by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. The castle was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed next to the town of Caernarfon, the castle was designed to serve as a seat of English government in north Wales, replacing the existing motte-and-bailey castle at nearby Dolbadarn Castle. Caernarfon Castle and town walls formed part of a concentric plan, based on the model of the Castle of Conwy. It was the seat of the County of Caernarvonshire until 1974. The castle was built on the site of a Roman fort, which was probably built in the late 1st century or early 2nd century as a base for the Legio II Adiutrix during their campaign against the Ordovices. A motte-and-bailey or ringwork castle was built on the site during the late 11th or early 12th century by the Norman lord, Hugh d’Avranches, Earl of Chester.
Caernarfon Castle was built by Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as part of his conquest of Wales. The castle was constructed next to the town of Caernarfon, on the site of a Roman fort. Caernarfon Castle and town walls formed part of a concentric plan, based on the model of the Castle of Conwy. The castle was the seat of the County of Caernarvonshire until 1974.