The Iron Ring of Wales
Conwy Castle is the gritty, no-nonsense soldier compared to the imperial showman of Caernarfon. Also built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales, it is often cited by historians as the finest example of medieval military architecture in Europe. It was built incredibly quickly—in just four years between 1283 and 1287—and cost roughly £15,000, a colossal sum that nearly bankrupted the English treasury. It sits on a rocky outcrop guarding the estuary of the River Conwy, its dark stones brooding over the landscape. It was part of Edward's 'Iron Ring' of castles designed to encircle and subdue the Welsh principalities forever.
A Fortress of Two Wards
The castle design is a masterpiece of compact defense, using the natural rock foundation to its advantage. It is divided into two parts, a linear plan that was dictated by the narrow ridge it sits on:
- The Outer Ward: The larger area, accessed through the barbican and main gate. It was designed to house the garrison. It contains the Great Hall (once 125 feet long) and the huge kitchens. This was the bustling heart of the castle, filled with soldiers, servants, and noise.
- The Inner Ward: The private royal apartments, separated from the rest by a deep rock-cut ditch and a drawbridge. This was the King's personal sanctuary, complete with a private chapel and chambers for the King and Queen. This 'castle within a castle' allowed the King to be safe not just from the enemy outside, but from his own soldiers inside if they mutinied. It had its own water gate to the river, ensuring supplies could reach the King even if the Outer Ward fell.
The Town Walls
What makes Conwy truly special is that the castle is still physically connected to the town it was built to protect (and subdue). The medieval town walls are almost perfectly preserved, stretching for three-quarters of a mile around the town with 21 towers and three gatehouses. Visitors can walk along the top of these walls for free, getting a bird's-eye view of the medieval street layout that has barely changed in 700 years. It is one of the best-preserved walled towns in the world, offering a complete picture of a medieval fortified settlement.
The Suspension Bridge
Next to the castle stands another engineering marvel, though from a different era: the Conwy Suspension Bridge. Built by Thomas Telford in 1826, it was one of the first suspension bridges in the world. Telford was sensitive to the castle's dominance, designing the bridge's supporting towers to look like miniature castle turrets, complete with machicolations. This respectful blending of the Industrial Revolution with the Middle Ages creates a unique skyline. It is now a pedestrian-only National Trust property, and walking across it gives you the best view of the castle's eastern facade. Alongside it runs the tubular railway bridge built by Robert Stephenson, another marvel of Victorian engineering.
Sieges and Betrayals
Conwy saw plenty of action. In 1294, Edward I himself was besieged here during a Welsh rebellion led by Madog ap Llywelyn. The King was trapped for weeks with only a few barrels of wine and some stale bread before relief arrived. In 1401, during the revolt of Owain Glyndŵr, the castle was captured not by a siege engine, but by trickery. On Good Friday, while the garrison was at church, two Welsh brothers tricked the guard, killed him, and let in a small band of rebels who held the mighty castle for three months before negotiating a surrender.
The Views
Climbing the spiral staircases to the top of the eight massive towers offers some of the best views in Wales. You can see the mountains of Snowdonia rising in the distance, the Conwy estuary flowing into the sea, and the town nestled below. It is a photographer's dream, offering a perspective on why this location was chosen for such a mighty fortress. The sense of invulnerability from these heights is palpable.
Visitor Information
Conwy Castle is managed by Cadw, the Welsh historic monuments service. It is open daily. Be prepared for a climb; the spiral staircases are steep! Just below the castle walls on the quay stands the 'Smallest House in Great Britain,' a tiny red house that makes for a quirky contrast to the massive fortress. A visit to Conwy is a masterclass in medieval warfare and architecture.
World Heritage Status
Conwy Castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd.' It is recognized as one of the finest examples of late 13th-century and early 14th-century military architecture in Europe. The preservation of the castle and the town walls allows for a unique insight into the medieval period, making it an essential destination for historians and tourists alike.