Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle was built as part of King Edward I's network of 10 defensive fortresses. Designed by Master James of St. George, work on the building commenced in 1283 and took 7 years to build.

The castle underwent an unsuccessful siege by Madog ap Llywelyn during the winter of 1294/95. The defenders survived until the siege was lifted by obtaining their supplies via the 'Way to the Sea'.

After the siege, the defences were strengthened and minor works were carried out on the approach to the castle in the mid 1320's.

Photo: Jan-jaap Aue

Between 1404 and 1409, after the national uprising, the castle fell into the hands of Owen Glendower. It became his residence and military headquarters until

Photo: Gail Johnson

King Henry V, assisted by John Talbot the Earl of Shrewsbury and his army of 1000 men, retook it after an eight month siege.

At the start of the Wars of the Roses, Harlech Castle was firmly under the control of the Lancastrians. But after a seven year siege it fell to the Yorkists, led by Lord Herbert of Raglan, in 1468. It was the longest siege in British history and tradition says it was the inspiration for the song Men of Harlech. After the siege, Harlech was used as a debtor's prison.

The castle was to see action again during the English Civil War. It was the last of the royalist strongholds to surrender to the parliamentarian forces. After its capture in 1647, an order was issued for the castle's demolition. This was not carried out and Harlech Castle was left to decay.