Conwy Castle is a medieval masterpiece rich in history. Built by Master James of St George for King Edward I, it is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain today. Along with Harlech Castle, Caernarfon Castle and Beaumaris Castle, Conwy Castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
Origins
Looking at the origins of Conwy Castle is fascinating. It was first established in north Wales by King Edward I in a bid to secure the newly won principality in the wake of the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, a Welsh prince, in 1282. The idea was to design the castle and its town walls as one single structural entity. Along with Ruthin Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Beaumaris Castle, and Harlech Castle, Conwy Castle was designed by Edward's master builder, James of St. George. The castle and town walls were constructed between 1283 to 1287, and required the work of more than 15,000 men. However once finished they stood as an undeniable symbol of Edward’s dominance over the Welsh resistance. Today the castle has eight 70 feet towers measuring 9.1 metres (30 feet) in diameter. Its walls are up to 4.6 meters (15 feet) thick. And it boasts 142 arrow slits.
The Welsh Uprisings
Early in the 15th century the Welshman Owain Glyndwr led a rebellion against the English occupiers and captured Conwy Castle in the process. Owain and his troops skillfully gained entrance to the castle claiming to be workmen. They killed the sentries and then summoned in supporting forces to successfully capture the castle. However the occupation only lasted for three months, before finally Owain surrendered the castle on terms favourable to the Tudors. Some Welsh soldiers were executed and Owain and his troops soon retreated back into Snowdonia.
The Civil War
Conwy Castle was of great historical significance during the Civil War. It was used by the Royalist forces, and in 1646 the castle was besieged by the Roundheads (the Parliamentary forces) for three months. After the restoration of the English monarchy the castle was purchased by Viscount Conwy in 1628 for £100.
By the end of the 18th century, Conwy Castle was derelict but its ruins were considered picturesque, and the castle attracted many visitors and artists. Celebrated paintings of the castle were made by J.W.W Turner and Thomas Girtin, amongst others. In 1865 the castle passed from the Holland family, who had leased it from the descendants of the Conways, to the civic leadership of Conwy town itself.
Conwy Castle Today
Conwy Castle became a World Heritage site in 1986, with UNESCO deeming it to possess “outstanding universal value”. Their appraisal reads: “the extensive and detailed contemporary technical, social, and economic documentation of the castles, and the survival of adjacent fortified towns at Caernarfon and Conwy, makes them one of the major references of medieval history”.
Today Conwy Castle is the most popular visitor attraction in the whole of Wales, with over 200,000 visitors each year. Tourists are undoubtedly attracted to the rich history of this truly incredible stone fortress.