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History

This was the last castle built in Wales by Edward I and work started in 1295.  The site was low and flat and gave James of St George the opportunity to build a classical example of a immensely strong concentric castle.  The almost square inner bailey was defended by towering 15-foot-thick walls, six towers and two imposing gatehouses.  There was a mural gallery within the walls about halfway up with doorways into the gatehouses and towers.  

Some twenty years later an outer bailey was added.  This was with a lower, thinner, hexagonal curtain wall defended by twelve towers and two gatehouses.  The gap between the inner and outer walls is not large and the gatehouses were off-set.  The south gateway protected a small dock into which boats could sail at high tide and was also the entrance to the town. 

Although the castle was never completely finished, its immense strength was not put to the test as there was no further danger from the Welsh princes.  There were few events of any significance in its history and the only threat to the castle came during the Civil War.  The castle was garrisoned for Charles I by Thomas, Lord Bulkeley.  It was held by the Royalists until 1646 when the news of a Royalist defeat nearby at the hands of the Parliamentarians lead by General Mytton, persuaded the garrison to surrender.