The Mighty Fortress of the Iron Ring
Caernarfon Castle is more than just a stronghold; it is a brutal statement of imperial power. Built by King Edward I following his conquest of Wales in 1283, it was designed to be the administrative center of his new dominion and a symbol of English authority. Unlike the other castles in his 'Iron Ring' (like Conwy or Harlech), Caernarfon was built with a specific architectural language intended to recall the myths of the Roman Empire and the legendary King Arthur.
Imperial Dreams and Roman Walls
The castle's design is unique in Britain. Its towers are polygonal rather than round, and its walls are banded with different colored stones. This distinctive appearance is widely believed to mimic the Walls of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the capital of the Byzantine Empire. By evoking the image of the greatest city in Christendom, Edward was projecting himself as a successor to the Roman Emperors. Furthermore, the site is associated with the Roman fort of Segontium and the Welsh legend of Macsen Wledig (Magnus Maximus), a Roman emperor who dreamed of a great fortress at this very spot. Edward was literally building the castle of legend to legitimize his rule.
The Prince of Wales
Caernarfon was not just a fortress but a royal palace. In 1284, Edward's son (the future Edward II) was born here. According to legend, Edward presented the baby to the Welsh nobility as a 'Prince born in Wales who spoke no English'—a technical truth, as the infant spoke no language at all. This tradition continues to this day; in 1969, the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales took place here in a televised ceremony that brought the castle to global attention. The slate dais used for the ceremony still stands in the courtyard.
The Eagle Tower
The most impressive of the castle's towers is the Eagle Tower. It stands guard at the mouth of the River Seiont and was the residence of the King's lieutenant. It is topped by three turrets, which were originally adorned with stone eagles (again, a Roman symbol). The walls of this tower are incredibly thick, housing a self-contained suite of rooms, a chapel, and its own water supply, allowing it to hold out even if the rest of the fortress fell. It is considered one of the finest surviving examples of a medieval donjon.
The Royal Welch Fusiliers
The castle houses the museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Wales' oldest infantry regiment. The museum tells the story of the regiment's 300-year history, including their service in the American War of Independence, the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, and both World Wars. It features a poignant collection of artifacts, including medals, uniforms, and personal diaries. Famous writers Robert Graves and Siegfried Sassoon both served in this regiment during WWI, and their experiences are highlighted. The museum provides a human connection to the military history of the castle.
Unfinished Business
Despite its imposing appearance, Caernarfon Castle was never fully finished. If you look closely at the Queen's Gate (the high arch entrance designed to be accessed by a ramp), you will see the stone 'springers' for the arch are there, but the bridge and the rest of the gatehouse were never completed. Edward I's wars in Scotland drained the treasury, and the money for Caernarfon eventually ran out. Nevertheless, the castle successfully withstood sieges by the Welsh rebel Owain Glyndŵr in 1403 and 1404, proving that even unfinished, it was a formidable nut to crack.
The King's Gate
The main entrance, the King's Gate, is a marvel of defensive engineering. It was designed to be a death trap for any attacker foolish enough to try and breach it. It features a sequence of five doors, six portcullises, and numerous murder holes (holes in the ceiling for dropping stones or boiling liquids) and arrow loops. While the upper floors of the gatehouse were never completed, the lower passage remains a testament to the sophistication of medieval military architecture.
The Legend of the Green Lady
Like many Welsh castles, Caernarfon has its ghosts. The most famous is the 'Green Lady,' said to be the spirit of a woman who was executed for treason during the English Civil War. She is often seen floating through the corridors of the Chamberlain Tower, a spectral reminder of the castle's bloody past.
Visitor Information
Caernarfon Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site located right in the town center, dominating the harbor. You can walk along a significant portion of the upper walls, which offer spectacular views over the Menai Strait towards the Isle of Anglesey. The spiral staircases in the towers are steep and narrow, so sensible shoes are recommended. It remains one of the most potent symbols of the Middle Ages in Europe. The castle is managed by Cadw and is open year-round.