Built for English monarch Edward I, by his master architect, Master James of St George, the castle was apparently the finest of a ring of 5 castle's Edward built to contain the Welsh. It is beautifully preserved and you certainly get a feel for it's age and medieval purpose when you walk around it. It was built over a number of years between 1283 to 1287. The Welsh briefly captured it at one point but over time it was abandoned due to various conflicts and civil war.
The town is encircled by huge walls with 22 towers, and the Castle itself has 8 massive towers with spectacular views. They would be more amazing on a fine day of course! Still though - it was such an experience wandering around the halls, rooms, towers, walls, and up and down the tiny winding staircases.
We had an absolute in our first castle. Such an experience! Even if we were soaked by the time we were done :) Walking on the castle walls and taking in the views from the top was my favorite parts. Imagining what went into building this fortress as you look down on the walls and the layout of the structure - the history, the lives that filled this place...
Once we bundled our wet selves into the car we set off for Liverpool.
To be continued...
L xx
