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History

The castle was founded by Iorwerth Trwydwn in around 1170 to guard the ancient route from Merionnydd to the Vale of Conwy.  Three years later his son, Llywelyn ap Iorwerth '"the Great" was born at the castle. 

The castle was built on a rocky site and given a strong ditch defence.  The tower was rectangular with two storeys.  An extra floor and battlements were built at later date.  The thick walls forming an enclosure and another rectangular tower were added later still.  The Welsh architect of Dolwyddelan used the Norman style of castle building and there was an entrance on the first floor defended by a drawbridge. 

Llywelyn the Great gained recognition for Welsh rights in the Magna Carta after he entered the revolt by the barons against King John in 1215.   At the same time he established his supremacy over the other Welsh princes and for many years Dolwyddelan was his home.  The castle was often used by his grandson Llywelyn, Prince of Wales.  In 1283 the Prince was killed and in the same winter the castle fell to Edward I's forces.  Recognising the castle's strategic value, Edward had it refortified and held by his troops and so the Welsh-built castle became an English stronghold.