Caernarfon is of course best known for its mighty
castle. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest, and to
this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intention of its builder Edward I.
Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his
conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also
as a seat of government and royal palace.
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The castle's majestic persona is no architectural
accident: it was designed to echo the walls of Constantinople, the imperial power of Rome
and the dream castle, 'the fairest that ever man saw', of Welsh myth and legend. After all
these years Caernarfon's immense strength remains unchanged. |
Standing at the mouth of the Seiont river, the
fortress (with its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour banded
masonry) dominates the walled town also founded by Edward I. Caernarfon's symbolic status
was emphasised when Edward made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was
born here in 1284. In 1969, the castle gained world-wide fame as the setting for the
Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.
History comes alive at Caernarfon in so many ways -
along the lofty wall walks, beneath the twin-towered gatehouse and within imaginative
exhibitions located within the towers. The castle also houses the Regimental Museum of the
Royal Welch Fusiliers, Wales's oldest regiment.
Caernarfon's position of pre-eminence in historic
rankings is recognised in its status as a World Heritage inscribed site.
For further information about Caernarfon, we
suggest:
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