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Criccieth Castle | |
County |
Gwynedd | |
How to get there |
5 miles West of Porthmadog, on A497 | |
History
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The
castle is situated on a promontory above the small town of Criccieth in a commanding
position overlooking Tremadog Bay. The original castle, including the solid twin-towered gatehouse, was built by Llywelyn the Great. His grandson Llywelyn the Last added more walls and a rectangular tower. The castle was captured by Edward I after Llywelyn the Last's defeat. Edward ordered the construction of more walls and a strong tower capable of taking the weight of a siege engine on its roof. In 1404 the castle was taken by Owain Glyndwr, the last Welsh leader to rebel against the English crown. Not long afterwards the castle was so badly damaged by a fire that it was abandoned. Today, although ruined the massive gatehouse built by Llywelyn the Great is still impressive and the thick walls show the castle's former strength. |
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