🏰 Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd
Late 13th-century fortifications in northwestern Wales
📋 Fast Facts
- Four castles and two walled towns built 1283–1330 under King Edward I
- Designed by Master James of St. George
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986
- Located in Gwynedd, northwestern Wales
The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd represent one of Europe's most significant examples of late 13th-century military architecture. Built during Edward I's conquest of Wales between 1277 and 1283, the ensemble comprises four major castles—Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, and Beaumaris—along with the fortified towns of Caernarfon and Conwy. These fortifications formed a strategic chain of command across the north Welsh coast, each positioned to control key routes, maintain sea supply ...