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Harlech Castle. Photo by Oosoom. .

Top 10 Astonishing Facts about Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle is a Grade 1 listed medieval stronghold located in Harlech, Gwynedd in Wales. It was built onto a rocky knoll close to the Irish Sea. It was built by Edward 1 during his conquest of Wales between 1283 and 1289.

Harlech Castle is one of the four castles along with Conway, Caernafon, and Beumaris that have been designated as a World Heritage Site. The castle has a rich history having been used in many ways including as a residence for military men.

Harlech Castle remains one of the most popular castles in north Wales. Visitors flock all-round the year to enjoy the rich history, architecture, and ambiance surrounding the castle. Let us now look at the top 10 astonishing facts about Harlech Castle.

1. The building of the castle was ordered by King Edward the first of England

A side view of Harlech Castle. Photo by Mr. Owen Silverstone. .

Harlech Castle was built as part of the castle of rings and they were designed to increase the power of England. Having invaded Wales, King Edward wanted to maintain his control over Wales.

The construction began in 1283 and ended in 1290. It was built on a high rocky place inaccessible from the west and the north. From the two other sides where the castle was accessible, a wide ditch was dug deep. Construction was supervised by James of Saint George.

2. It was designed by Master James of St. George

While the king ordered the construction of the castle, the designing and execution of the castle were done by Master James. He was the king’s trusted military engineer and architect. During the construction, the workforce had 546 general laborers. 

There were 115 quarriers, 30 blacksmiths, 22 carpenters, and 227 stonemasons. The entire project cost was around 240 pounds per month.  The castle was completed by end of 1289 having cost a total of 8,190 pounds.

3. Constable Dafydd ap leuan defended the castle

In 1946, during the War of the Roses, Constable Dafydd ap leuan defended the caste against Lancastrian forces. The castle had enjoyed a period of peace before this war broke out.

The castle was held by the Lancastrian forces. However, under the leadership of Constable Dafydd ap leuan, the castle endured a siege that lasted 7 years. It is known to be the longest known siege in the history of Britain.

4. Harlech Castle is a concentric castle

Harlech Castle. Photo by John Speed – 17th century cartographer..

A concentric castle is a castle that has two or more surrounding walls. The outer one is shorter than the inner wall. This design is meant to ensure that the castle is secure. It can be defended from the inner wall.

The inner defensive wall was about 3 meters thick. The walls were separated by a courtyard that was 39 meters wide. The castle also had four towers. In 1343, the towers were named Le Prisontour, Turris Ultra Gardinium, Le Wedercoktour, and Le Chapeltour. They were renamed in 1564.

5. It is associated with the legend of Branwen

The site of Harlech Castle is associated with the legend of Branwen from Mabinogion. It is a story of jealousy ad betrayal. Mabinogion is an ancient collection of Welsh folklore stories.

The stories are premised on Welsh royal families. Branwen was considered the most beautiful maiden in the world. She was the daughter of Llyr the King of all Britons. Harlech Castle is the central location in the legend of Branwen.

6. The castle was taken over by Owain Glyndwr

Owain Glyndŵr’s Parliament at Machynlleth, illustration from ‘Hutchinson’s History of the Nations’, 1915. Photo by John Harris Valda. Wikimedia Commons.

In 1400, another Welsh rebellion led by Owain Glyndwr broke out. By this time, only a few castles including Harlech Castle remained in the hands of Englishmen. By this time, the castle was not equipped. There were only three shields, eight helmets, and four firearms in the entire castle.

Harlech Castle was therefore besieged in 1404. It became the official operating base for Owain Glyndwr from 1404 to 1409. King Henry the fifth attacked the castle and besieged it in 1408. The fall of Owain Glyndwr was due to a lack of supplies. His commander, Edmund Mortimer, died of exhaustion.

7. The song Men of Harlech was written about the siege

Men of Harlech also known as ‘The March of the Men of Harlech’ is a song and a military march. The song describes the events during the seven-year siege of Harlech Castle. The siege was between 1461 and 1468. Constable Dafydd ap leuan commanded the holdout that lasted 7 years.

The song is also known as ‘Through Seven Years’. The song is very important in the Welsh national culture. It gained international recognition when it was featured prominently in the film Zulu in 1964.

8. Queen of England sought refuge in the castle

Margaret of Anjou, queen of England, wife of king Henry VI. Photo by Unknown.

In 1460, the Queen of England, Margaret of Anjou fled to the castle. This happened after the Battle of Northampton occurred. Her husband King Henry the sixth had been captured.

As the queen made her way to Wales, one of her servants robbed her. He threatened to kill her and the prince. The queen managed to escape to Harlech Castle while the servant was searching through her luggage.

9. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site

Harlech Castle is among the best-preserved and well-known castles in Wales. UNESCO recognized Harlech Castle as the ‘finest example of military architecture of the end of the 13^th century and the beginning of the 14^th century in Europe’. 

The castle is under the care of the Cadw government agency currently. It facilitates the maintenance of the castle and makes it available for visiting tourists.

10. The castle was besieged in around 1300

In 1294, Madog ap Llywelyn began an uprising against the English rule. This spread over Wales. Many English Castles and towns including Harlech, Criccieth, and Aberystwyth were besieged.  However, a shipment was coming in from Ireland.

This allowed the defenders to maintain the stronghold and suppress the rebellion. Subsequently, additional fortifications were added to the outer wall. The work was done between 1323 and 1324. King Edward the second ordered his sheriff Gruffuld Llywd to strengthen the defense of the castle’s gate.