Harlech Castle, located in Harlech, Wales, is a Concentric castle, constructed atop a cliff close to the sea (which has since receded). It is particularly notable for its massive gatehouse.

Construction

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Begun in 1283 as part of Edward I's second Welsh campaign, the castle was part of Edward's "iron ring" of castles around coastal Snowdonia. Like many of the castles in the area, Harlech, which took seven years to build, was designed by Master James of St. George.

Once constructed, the castle formed a concentric circle, with one line of defences enclosed by another. The surrounding cliffs made it impossible to attack the castle except from the east, which had a powerfully-defended gatehouse.

Harlech is also notable for an unusual feature, the "Way from the sea". This is a fortified stairway hugs the rock and runs almost 200 feet down to the foot of the cliffs, where (at the time of construction) the sea reached. Today, the sea has retreated several miles, making it more difficult to envisage the concept in its original setting.

Edward's forces were often in danger from land-based attack, but he enjoyed total supremacy on water. Many of his castles included "sally ports" which allowed resupply from the sea, but Harlech's is far more elaborate.

James of St. George's plan was a triumph - when the castle was besieged during Madoc ap Llywelyn's campaign in 1294-1295, this stairway was used to supply the castle.

Like many of Edward's castles, Harlech was originally designed to work in tandem with city walls.

History

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In 1404, the castle fell to Owain Glyndŵr, becoming his residence and headquarters. Four years later, after another long siege, Harlech Castle was retaken by Prince Henry (later Henry V).

In the Wars of the Roses Harlech was held by Sir Richard Tunstall as a hold-out Lancastrian stronghold in the first part of Edward IV of England's reign (1461-1470). It was the last Lancastrian fortress to surrender when it did so in 1468; it was able to withstand the seven-year siege through its being provisioned from the sea. This siege partially inspired the song "Men of Harlech".

Present day

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Harlech is part of the "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Harlech, Beaumaris, Caernarfon and Conwy (Gwynedd)" World Heritage site, reflecting its importance and remarkable state of preservation.

The castle is now in the care of Cadw and is open to visitors. Opening times, contact details and costs can be found in the Cadw weblink below.

Trivia

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The famous song "Men of Harlech" was composed in honour of the seven year siege of 1461-1468.

External links

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• official Cadw site
• Harlech Castle Illustrated Snowdonia Guide
• Harlech information
• Floor Plan: Harlech Castle (speculative reconstruction / artistic interpretation)

Castles | Archaeological sites in Gwynedd | Castles in Wales | World Heritage Sites in Wales | Former castles, palaces, and fortresses

Castell Harlech | Harlech Castle | Замок Харлех | Harlech Castle