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History

In 1282 the fortress fell to the English and the town and much of the surrounding country was given to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln. 

Edward I ordered the Earl to build a castle and enclose the town and work started in 1283.  The outer walls of the castle were continuations of the town wall and are considerably thinner than the two inner walls.  The castle is dominated by a remarkable triple-towered gatehouse.  The front has an arched door decorated by a chequered pattern of  stonework. When the Earl's only son was drowned in the castle well, he lost interest in the castle and died shortly afterwards in 1311. 

The castle passed through many hands and at one time was owned by Hugh le Despenser, favourite of Edward II.   It was then used by Roger Mortimer, lover of Queen Isabella and architect of Edward II's downfall.  Many years later it was the headquarters of 'Hotspur' Henry Percy.  

During the Wars of the Roses the castle changed hands many times.  In 1468 while it was being held by the Yorkists the castle and town were besieged and burnt by the King's half brother Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke.  The destruction was so great that the town was rebuilt at its present site. 

During the Civil War the castle was garrisoned for King Charles, who stayed there for three days in 1645.  Denbigh was one of the last to surrender to the Parliamentarians in 1646.  After the Restoration of 1660 the castle was left to decay until the middle of the 19th century when considerable repairs were made.