Castell Cricieth
Castell Cricieth from Traeth Morfa Bychan, Gwynedd, Wales, UK
Criccieth castle, Gwynedd, Wales. Castell Cricieth — often known in English as Criccieth Castle — is a striking 13th-century ruined castle perched on a rocky headland overlooking Tremadog Bay in Criccieth, Gwynedd, Wales. It’s one of North Wales’ historic gems, offering dramatic sea views, fascinating medieval history and a compact, visitor-friendly site to explore.
History & Architecture
Origins: Built by Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great around the 1230s, Criccieth Castle was an important stronghold in medieval Wales.
Later Additions: The English captured it in 1283 during Edward I’s campaigns in Wales and carried out improvements including refortifying the gatehouse.
Destruction: In 1404 it was taken and likely burnt during Owain Glyndŵr’s revolt against English rule, after which it fell into ruin and was not restored as a fortress.
Its layout includes an inner ward with a notable twin-towered gatehouse and an outer ward, following the irregular shape of the promontory.
Castell Cricieth
Castell Cricieth from Traeth Morfa Bychan, Gwynedd, Wales, UK
Criccieth castle, Gwynedd, Wales. Castell Cricieth — often known in English as Criccieth Castle — is a striking 13th-century ruined castle perched on a rocky headland overlooking Tremadog Bay in Criccieth, Gwynedd, Wales. It’s one of North Wales’ historic gems, offering dramatic sea views, fascinating medieval history and a compact, visitor-friendly site to explore.
History & Architecture
Origins: Built by Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great around the 1230s, Criccieth Castle was an important stronghold in medieval Wales.
Later Additions: The English captured it in 1283 during Edward I’s campaigns in Wales and carried out improvements including refortifying the gatehouse.
Destruction: In 1404 it was taken and likely burnt during Owain Glyndŵr’s revolt against English rule, after which it fell into ruin and was not restored as a fortress.
Its layout includes an inner ward with a notable twin-towered gatehouse and an outer ward, following the irregular shape of the promontory.