Caernarfon Castle is not the biggest castle in Wales, but it looks the most imposing. The castle was built after Edward I conquered Wales in 1283 as part of his iron ring to control Snowdonia and Northern Wales. Caernarfon was built not only for defense but as a seat of government and royal residence. The castle does not have round towers like Edward’s other castles. Instead it has unique massive multi-angular towers to distinguish it from other castles. The castle walls are also built using a linear pattern of different colored stone. This is said to be modeled after the walls of Constantinople, which Edward must have seen first hand during the crusades.

Caernarfon Castle is linked with the Prince of Wales. According to legend, Edward promised the Welsh natives that he would name a Prince born in Wales, who did not speak a word of English as Prince of Wales. He then dubbed his own son, Edward II, as Prince of Wales. Edward II was born in Caernarfon Castle and was still so young that he could not yet speak English. Subsequent Monarchs have dubbed their first born son as Prince of Wales through the centuries, with the latest being Prince Charles. Construction of Caernarfon Castle was never actually completed. Like most other medieval relics, the castle fell into disrepair through the centuries until the 19th century and early 20th century when repair work began on the castle. Massive ceilings were restored in the principle towers. The most impressive part of the castle is Eagle Tower which housed apartments on each of the three floors. Today it is used for a multi-media show that provides a history of the castle to its visitors.

Written by  Ron Lyons Jr..

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