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History

Caernarfon was the most ambitious of Edward's castles in Wales and he chose it as his administrative centre and a site from which to pacify the conquered people of Wales.   Work began on the castle six months after the death of the Llywelyn, the last Welsh Prince of Wales. 

Designed by Master James of St George as a royal residence.  It stands at the water's edge and is oval in plan with polygonal towers.   The immense walls and towers were constructed from stones in banded colours, said to be inspired by the walls of Constantinople.  The Eagle Tower at 124 feet was one of the largest single towers built the Middle ages and had a water gate to be used in the event of a siege. 

In 1284 a son was born to Edward I at Caernarfon and in 1301 the young Prince Edward was invested at the castle as Prince of Wales.  From this date the monarch's eldest son has traditionally been conferred with the title. 

Towards the end of his life Edward faced financial difficulties and his presence was now needed in Scotland.  As a result the interior of the castle was never completed.  The castle became neglected and in 1536 the Act of Union meant that it lost its military and administrative significance. 

During the Civil War the castle was garrisoned for King Charles but fell to the Parliamentarians in 1646. An order to demolish the castle was not carried out  

In 1969 Prince Charles was invested as the present Prince of Wales at Caernafon Castle.