Most of the Magnificient Castles found in wales were built by the Normans or at the behest of King Edward I during the Edwardian period of the Plantagenet kings.
King Edward I
Pembroke Castle was among the earliest Norman castles built in Wales.
Located at the border between the early Norman territorial gains in England and Wales, the castle was constructed in 1093 with an eye to fortifying the Norman position in the region.
William the Conqueror
Built as a highly durable structure, the castle remained in use by the English monarchs for many subsequent centuries, with Henry VII being famously born here.
Most of the original structure of the castle is extant today and it is open to visitors and tourists.
Pembroke Castle was among the earliest Norman castles built in Wales.
Conwy Castle was constructed in 1283 at the behest of King Edward I.
It was built in a period when the Normans strongly asserted their control over Wales through extensive military campaigns and castle-building on a large scale.
Location on the northern coast of Wales, the castle served as a key Norman military fortification at the time.
With two fortified gates, a huge boundary wall, and eight towers, the castle was a highly formidable and secure military fortification.
Most of the castle’s original structure is extant today and is well-preserved.
Conwy Castle was constructed in 1283 at the behest of King Edward I.
Caernarfon Castle was another castle in Wales commissioned by King Edward I during his military campaign in Wales. This castle is a hallmark of the concentric style of castle construction which Edward popularized.
Construction of the castle began in 1283 and its structure comprised of an inner wall with numerous towers, surrounded in turn by an exterior boundary wall.
Most of these structures stand well-preserved to this day. The first person to carry the title of ‘Prince of Wales’ was born in this castle.
The castle is open to visitors today.
Caerphilly Castle is located in the Welsh county of Gwent.
This castle was built by the Normans in 1298 by making use of the surrounding landscape to shape excellent defenses. The castle itself comprises an interior ward with a number of defensive towers and an exterior boundary wall with a guardhouse of its own.
The overall structure of the castle is further surrounded by a moat and a number of small islands, which made it possible for castle owners to easily defend themselves outside the castle gates.
The castle underwent significant restoration in the centuries following its construction and is open to visitors today.
Caerphilly Castle is located in the Welsh county of Gwent.
Raglan Castle is one of the later castles built in Wales.
Located in the Welsh county of Gwent, this castle was constructed in 1435 and was a fine combination of luxury and fortification.
The structure of the castle is comprised of large courtyards and comfortable living quarters coupled with strong defensive features on the exterior.
The castle remained the residence of the local lords for many centuries and is open to visitors today.
Raglan Castle is one of the later castles built in Wales.