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Welsh Pony steam through Bron Madog, just beyond Boston Lodge, on a typical August day with the lunch time Woodland Wonder with very little to give away this is a 2021 Covid secure service.
Caernarfon Castle, which is almost on the edge of the Menai Strait in North Wales, was built by King Edward I (commencing in 1283) as part of a strategic ring of castles around Wales. The town and castle were sacked in 1294 when Madog ap Llywelyn led a rebellion against the English. Caernarfon was recaptured the following year. During the Glyndŵr Rising of 1400–1415, the castle was besieged once more.
When the Tudor dynasty ascended to the English throne in 1485, tensions between the Welsh and English began to diminish and castles were considered less important. As a result, Caernarfon Castle was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. Despite its dilapidated condition, during the English Civil War Caernarfon Castle was held by Royalists, and was besieged three times by Parliamentarian forces.
This was the last time the castle was used in war. Caernarfon Castle was neglected until the 19th century when the state funded repairs. In 1911, Caernarfon Castle was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, and again in 1969.
Source: Wikipedia.
My travels around the UK by car for three weeks with my son. June/July 2019 Wales.
Day Ten .. a visit to Conway Castle before making our way to Liverpool for the night.
Conwy Castle is a fortification in Conwy, located in North Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.
UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site. The rectangular castle is built from local and imported stone and occupies a coastal ridge, originally overlooking an important crossing point over the River Conwy. Divided into an Inner and an Outer Ward, it is defended by eight large towers and two barbicans, with a postern gate leading down to the river, allowing the castle to be resupplied from the sea. It retains the earliest surviving stone machicolations in Britain and what historian Jeremy Ashbee has described as the "best preserved suite of medieval private royal chambers in England and Wales". In keeping with other Edwardian castles in North Wales, the architecture of Conwy has close links to that found in the Kingdom of Savoy during the same period, an influence probably derived from the Savoy origins of the main architect, James of Saint George.
For More Info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conwy_Castle
Beaumaris Castle (Welsh: Castell Biwmares), in Beaumaris, Anglesea, Wales, was built as part of Edward I's campaign to conquer north Wales after 1282. Plans were probably first made to construct the castle in 1284, but this was delayed due to lack of funds and work only began in 1295 following the Madog ap Llywelyn uprising. A substantial workforce was employed in the initial years under the direction of James of St George. Edward's invasion of Scotland soon diverted funding from the project, however, and work stopped, only recommencing after an invasion scare in 1306. When work finally ceased around 1330 a total of £15,000 had been spent, a huge sum for the period, but the castle remained incomplete.
Beaumaris Castle was taken by Welsh forces in 1403 during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr, but recaptured by royal forces in 1405. Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1646 when it surrendered to the Parliamentary armies. Despite forming part of a local royalist rebellion in 1648, the castle escaped slighting and was garrisoned by Parliament, but fell into ruin around 1660, eventually forming part of a stately home and park in the 19th century. In the 21st century, the ruined castle is still a tourist attraction.
Historian Arnold Taylor described Beaumaris Castle as Britain's "most perfect example of symmetrical concentric planning".The fortification is built of local stone, with a moated outer ward guarded by twelve towers and two gatehouses, overlooked by an inner ward with two large, D-shaped gatehouses and six massive towers. The inner ward was designed to contain ranges of domestic buildings and accommodation able to support two major households. The south gate could be reached by ship, allowing the castle to be directly supplied by sea. UNESCO considers Beaumaris to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Conwy Castle is a medieval fortification in Conwy, on the north coast of Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.
Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1646 when it surrendered to the Parliamentary armies. In the aftermath the castle was partially slighted by Parliament to prevent it being used in any further revolt, and was finally completely ruined in 1665 when its remaining iron and lead was stripped and sold off. Conwy Castle became an attractive destination for painters in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Visitor numbers grew and initial restoration work was carried out in the second half of the 19th century. In the 21st century the ruined castle is managed by Cadw as a tourist attraction.
Denbigh (Dinbych) a market town and county town of Denbighshire, North Wales.
The town developed around Denbigh Castle, built in 1282, and the walled settlement that followed under Edward I. Over the centuries, it became known as a stronghold, a busy market town, and an administrative hub. Although Denbigh has seen times of conflict and decline, its medieval walls, castle ruins, and historic centre still shape its character today.
As part of his campaign to take and retain control of the area, Edward I decided to fortify Denbigh, ordering the construction of Denbigh Castle and town walls, which were begun in 1282. The Burgess Gate, whose twin towers adorn the symbol on Denbigh's civic seal, was once the main entrance into the town. The town was involved in the revolt of Madog ap Llywelyn who captured the castle in 1294.
During the Wars of the Roses, the town within the walls was largely destroyed. The focus of the settlement then shifted to a site immediately outside the old town walls to the north-east, centred on a market place along High Street.
In 1536 the new county of Denbighshire was created under the Laws in Wales Act 1535, comprising the old lordship of Denbighland plus other territories. Denbigh was declared to be the county town, with the county's courts directed to be held alternately at Denbigh and Wrexham. The County Hall (now the library) was built in 1572 to serve as the town's main public building, functioning as a market hall, town hall and courthouse for when the county's courts sat in Denbigh.
In 1643, during the English Civil War, Denbigh became a refuge for a Royalist garrison. Surrendering in 1646, the castle and town walls eventually fell into ruin.
The town grew around the textile industry in the 1600s, hosting specialist glovers, weavers, smiths, shoemakers, saddlers, furriers and tanners. Denbigh has been an important location for the agricultural industry throughout its history.
Information Source:
My travels around the UK by car for three weeks with my son. June/July 2019 Wales.
Day Nine .. In Beaumaris for a quick look around before going onto Hirael where we are staying the night.
Beaumaris in Beaumaris, Anglesey, Wales, was built as part of Edward I's campaign to conquer north Wales after 1282. Plans were probably first made to construct the castle in 1284, but this was delayed due to lack of funds and work only began in 1295 following the Madog ap Llywelyn uprising. A substantial workforce was employed in the initial years under the direction of James of St George. Edward's invasion of Scotland soon diverted funding from the project, however, and work stopped, only recommencing after an invasion scare in 1306. When work finally ceased around 1330 a total of £15,000 had been spent, a huge sum for the period, but the castle remained incomplete.
The castle design formed an inner and an outer ward, surrounded in turn by a moat, now partially filled. The main entrance to the castle was the Gate next the Sea, next to the castle's tidal dock that allowed it to be supplied directly by sea. The dock was protected by a wall later named the Gunners Walk and a firing platform that may have housed a trebuchet siege engine during the medieval period. The Gate next the Sea led into an outer barbican, protected by a drawbridge, arrow slits and murder-holes, leading on into the outer ward.
UNESCO considers Beaumaris to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site.
For More Info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaumaris_Castle
Another shot from the archives taken during our brief visit to North Wales in July 2017.
Caernarfon Castle, which is almost on the edge of the Menai Strait in North Wales, was built by King Edward I towards the end of the 13th century as part of a strategic ring of castles around Wales. The town and castle were sacked in 1294 when Madog ap Llywelyn led a rebellion against the English. Caernarfon was recaptured the following year.
During the Glyndŵr Rising of 1400–1415, the castle was besieged once more. When the Tudor dynasty ascended to the English throne in 1485, tensions between the Welsh and English began to diminish and castles were considered less important. As a result, Caernarfon Castle was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. Despite its dilapidated condition, during the English Civil War Caernarfon Castle was held by Royalists, and was besieged three times by Parliamentarian forces. This was the last time the castle was used in war.
Caernarfon Castle was neglected until the 19th century when the state funded repairs. In 1911, Caernarfon Castle was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, and again in 1969. The main town square is at the southern end of the castle. There are several cafes along the side of the square.
Source: Wikipedia.
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@ American Airlines ( USA ) 🇺🇸
McDonnell Douglas MD-83 (DC-9-83) - msn 53623 / 2276
• Production Site : Long Beach (LGB) CA. USA 🇺🇸
• ENG : 2x PW JT8D-219
• REG : N973TW
• PAX : C16Y124
@ History Aircraft :
• 31.AUG.1999 : First flight at built site Long Beach ( LGB ) USA
• 10.SEP.1999 : Delivered to "Trans World Airlines" TW & TWA with reg N973TW
• 02.DEC.2001 : Tsf to "American Airlines" AA & AAL
• 17.MAR.2014 : Wfu & stored at Roswell ( ROW )
• 20.NOV.2015 : Sold to "Bravo Airways" BAY with reg UR-COO and leased to "Kam Air" RQ & KMF
• 26.FEB.2016 : Leased to "Bukovyna" BQ & BKV from "Bravo Airways" with reg UR-COO
• 01.MAR.2016 : Leased to "Caspian Airlines" CPN from "Bravo Airways" with reg UR-COO
• 18.MAY.2016 : Sold to "UM Air - Ukrainian-Mediterranean Airlines" UF & UKM with reg UR-COO and leased to "Caspian Airlines" CPN
• MAR.2017 : Sold to "Caspian Airlines" CPN with reg EP-CAS
We drove into the village of Harlech hoping to find a good view of the famous 13th century castle only to discover that the best place is from the road below.
Harlech Castle was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars, withstanding the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn between 1294–95, but falling to Owain Glyndŵr in 1404. It then became Glyndŵr's residence and military headquarters for the remainder of the uprising until being recaptured by English forces in 1409. During the 15th century Wars of the Roses, Harlech was held by the Lancastrians for seven years, before Yorkist troops forced its surrender in 1468, a siege memorialised in the song Men of Harlech. Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1647 when it became the last fortification to surrender to the Parliamentary armies.
UNESCO considers Harlech to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site. The fortification is built of local stone and concentric in design, featuring a massive gatehouse that probably once provided high-status accommodation for the castle constable and visiting dignitaries. The sea originally came much closer to Harlech than in modern times, and a water-gate and a long flight of steps leads down from the castle to the former shore, which allowed the castle to be resupplied by sea during sieges. In keeping with Edward's other castles in North Wales, the architecture of Harlech has close to links to that found in the County of Savoy during the same period, an influence probably derived from the Savoy origins of the main architect, James of Saint George.
Source: Wikipedia
Caerphilly Castle (Welsh: Castell Caerffili) is a medieval fortification in Caerphilly in South Wales. The castle was constructed by Gilbert de Clare in the 13th century as part of his campaign to conquer Glamorgan, and saw extensive fighting between Gilbert and his descendants and the native Welsh rulers. Surrounded by extensive artificial lakes – considered by historian Allen Brown to be "the most elaborate water defences in all Britain" – it occupies around 30 acres (12 ha) and is the second largest castle in Britain. It is famous for having introduced concentric castle defences to Britain and for its large gatehouses.
Gilbert began work on the castle in 1268 following his occupation of the north of Glamorgan, with the majority of the construction occurring over the next three years at a considerable cost. The project was opposed by Gilbert's Welsh rival Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, leading to the site being burnt in 1270 and taken over by royal officials in 1271. Despite these interruptions, Gilbert successfully completed the castle and took control of the region. The core of Caerphilly Castle, including the castle's luxurious accommodation, was built on what became a central island, surrounding by several artificial lakes, a design Gilbert probably derived from that at Kenilworth. The dams for these lakes were further fortified, and an island to the west provided additional protection. The concentric rings of walls inspired Edward I's castles in North Wales, and proved what historian Norman Pounds has termed "a turning point in the history of the castle in Britain".
The castle was attacked during the Madog ap Llywelyn revolt of 1294, the Llywelyn Bren uprising in 1316 and during the overthrow of Edward II in 1326–27. In the late 15th century, however, it fell into decline and by the 16th century the lakes had drained away and the walls were robbed of their stone. The Marquesses of Bute acquired the property in 1776 and under the third and fourth Marquesses extensive restoration took place. In 1950 the castle and grounds were given to the state and the water defences were re-flooded. In the 21st century, the Welsh heritage agency Cadw manages the site as a tourist attraction.
Conwy Castle as the evening sun breaks through the clouds.
Castell Conwy is a fortification in Conwy, located in North Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1287. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a massive sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.
Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1646 when it surrendered to the Parliamentary armies. In the aftermath, the castle was partially slighted by Parliament to prevent it being used in any further revolt, and was finally completely ruined in 1665 when its remaining iron and lead was stripped and sold off. Conwy Castle became an attractive destination for painters in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Visitor numbers grew and initial restoration work was carried out in the second half of the 19th century. In the 21st century, the ruined castle is managed by Cadw as a tourist attraction.
UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage Site. The rectangular castle is built from local and imported stone and occupies a coastal ridge, originally overlooking an important crossing point over the River Conwy. Divided into an Inner and an Outer Ward, it is defended by eight large towers and two barbicans, with a postern gate leading down to the river, allowing the castle to be resupplied from the sea. It retains the earliest surviving stone machicolations in Britain and what historian Jeremy Ashbee has described as the "best preserved suite of medieval private royal chambers in England and Wales". In keeping with other Edwardian castles in North Wales, the architecture of Conwy has close links to that found in the Kingdom of Savoy during the same period, an influence probably derived from the Savoy origins of the main architect, James of Saint George.
My travels around the UK by car for three weeks with my son. June/July 2019 Wales.
Day Ten .. a visit to Conway Castle before making our way to Liverpool for the night.
Conwy Castle is a fortification in Conwy, located in North Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.
UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site. The rectangular castle is built from local and imported stone and occupies a coastal ridge, originally overlooking an important crossing point over the River Conwy. Divided into an Inner and an Outer Ward, it is defended by eight large towers and two barbicans, with a postern gate leading down to the river, allowing the castle to be resupplied from the sea. It retains the earliest surviving stone machicolations in Britain and what historian Jeremy Ashbee has described as the "best preserved suite of medieval private royal chambers in England and Wales". In keeping with other Edwardian castles in North Wales, the architecture of Conwy has close links to that found in the Kingdom of Savoy during the same period, an influence probably derived from the Savoy origins of the main architect, James of Saint George.
For More Info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conwy_Castle
Castell Conwy was built for Edward I between 1283 and 1287 during his conquest of Wales. It formed part of the wider scheme to fortify the walled town of Conwy; together, the defences cost about £15,000—an enormous sum at the time. The castle later played a significant role in several conflicts. It resisted the siege led by Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, sheltered Richard II briefly in 1399, and was held for several months by supporters of Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.
When the English Civil War began in 1642, forces loyal to Charles I occupied the castle. They held it until 1646, when it surrendered to Parliamentary forces. Parliament then partially dismantled the castle to prevent its use in future uprisings. In 1665, the removal and sale of its remaining iron and lead left it in ruins. The castle later attracted painters in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, followed by increasing numbers of visitors. Restoration began in the second half of the 19th century. Today, Cadw manages the ruins as a visitor attraction, officially using only the Welsh name since 2024.
UNESCO describes Conwy as one of Europe’s finest examples of military architecture from the late 13th and early 14th centuries, and the castle is a World Heritage Site. Built from local and imported stone, the rectangular fortress stands on a coastal ridge that once overlooked a key crossing of the River Conwy. Its Inner and Outer Wards are protected by eight large towers and two barbicans. A postern gate leads to the river, which allowed supplies to arrive by sea. The castle contains Britain’s earliest surviving stone machicolations and what historian Jeremy Ashbee called the “best preserved suite of medieval private royal chambers in England and Wales”. Like other Edwardian castles in North Wales, its design reflects contemporary architecture in the Savoy, probably because its chief architect, James of Saint George, came from that region.
Click here for more photographs of Castell Conwy and Town Walls: www.jhluxton.com/Wales/Conwy-County-Borough/Castell-Conwy...
The imposing remains of the Great Gatehouse
For more photographs of Castell Dinbych please click here: www.jhluxton.com/Wales/Clywd/Castell-Dinbych-Denbigh-Castle
Denbigh Castle (grade 1 Listed) and town walls (Welsh: Castell Dinbych a waliau tref) were established to secure control over Denbigh following Edward I of England’s conquest of Wales in 1282. The territory was assigned to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, who initiated the construction of a fortified town populated by settlers from England, safeguarded by an imposing castle and surrounded by deer parks for hunting. Construction was incomplete by 1294 when Welsh forces briefly occupied the castle during the Madog ap Llywelyn revolt. Subsequent enhancements were made to its defenses, though the castle remained unfinished at Henry's death in 1311.
Ownership of the castle changed hands several times during the early 14th century until it came under the Mortimer family's control. Meanwhile, living within the walled town proved impractical, leading to the rise of a larger settlement outside the original fortifications. In 1400, the walled town suffered attacks during the Glyndŵr Rising; however, the castle itself withstood these assaults. During the Wars of the Roses, Lancastrian troops raided and burned the town, prompting most inhabitants to abandon the old area, which then became part of the castle’s extended defenses.
During the First English Civil War, Royalists held Denbigh until Parliamentarian forces seized it in October 1646. After Royalist soldiers retook it in 1659, General George Monk ordered the castle to be slighted, resulting in the demolition of portions of its walls and towers. Over time, the site further deteriorated, and the deserted walled town remained largely untouched. Restoration efforts began in the mid-19th century when a local committee took charge of the ruins. The Office of Works assumed responsibility for the fortifications in 1914, eventually transferring the site to the Welsh Cadw heritage agency.
Denbigh Castle is distinguished by three octagonal towers forming its main entrance, described by historian John Goodall as "the most architecturally sophisticated gatehouse of the thirteenth century." The curtain wall is reinforced by eight mural towers, additional barbicans, and several defensive terraces and walls. The castle joins the town walls, which are mostly intact and enclose approximately 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) around the old town. Originally, four towers and two gatehouses defended the town walls, although only one gatehouse remains. Both the castle and town gatehouse feature ornate stonework intended to reflect royal authority and civic pride.
Harlech Castle was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars, withstanding the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn between 1294–95, but falling to Owain Glyndŵr in 1404. It then became Glyndŵr's residence and military headquarters for the remainder of the uprising until being recaptured by English forces in 1409. During the 15th century Wars of the Roses, Harlech was held by the Lancastrians for seven years, before Yorkist troops forced its surrender in 1468, a siege memorialised in the song Men of Harlech. Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1647 when it became the last fortification to surrender to the Parliamentary armies.
UNESCO considers Harlech to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site. The fortification is built of local stone and concentric in design, featuring a massive gatehouse that probably once provided high-status accommodation for the castle constable and visiting dignitaries. The sea originally came much closer to Harlech than in modern times, and a water-gate and a long flight of steps leads down from the castle to the former shore, which allowed the castle to be resupplied by sea during sieges. In keeping with Edward's other castles in North Wales, the architecture of Harlech has close to links to that found in the County of Savoy during the same period, an influence probably derived from the Savoy origins of the main architect, James of Saint George.
Source: Wikipedia
The medieval Harlech Castle, originally built by King Edward I on a spur of rock next to the Irish Sea during his invasion of Wales. A World Heritage site, it was built between 1282 and 1289 at the cost of £8,190 (£4.4 million in modern money). In Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales.
The Grade I Listed Conwy Castle built between 1283 and 1289 during King Edward I's second campaign in Wales. In Conwy, Conwy County, North Wales.
It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and managed by Cadw. It is also part of the World Heritage Site entitled Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. The Castle was built along with the Town Walls at the combined cost of £15,000, (approximately £7.6 million in today's money).
Before the English construction of the town of Conwy, the site was occupied by Aberconwy Abbey, a Cistercian monastery favoured by the Welsh princes. The site also controlled an important crossing point over the river Conwy between the coastal and inland areas of North Wales and was defended for many years by Deganwy Castle.
The English kings and Welsh princes had vied for control of the region since the 1070s and the conflict had been renewed during the 13th century, leading to Edward I intervening in North Wales for the second time during his reign in 1282.
Edward invaded with a huge army, pushing north from Carmarthen and westwards from Montgomery and Chester. Edward captured Aberconwy in March 1283 and decided that the location would form the centre of a new county: the abbey would be relocated eight miles inland and a new English castle and walled town would be built on the monastery's former site.
The ruined castle of Deganwy was abandoned and never rebuilt. Edward's plan was a colonial enterprise and placing the new town and walls on top of such a high-status native Welsh site was in part a symbolic act to demonstrate English power.
Information Source:
Traeth Mawr (Welsh for "big sands") is a polder near Porthmadog in Gwynedd in Wales. The area was formerly the large tidal estuary of the Afon Glaslyn. It was created after large-scale land reclamation occurred in the late 18th century and the early 19th century. A large embankment, called the Cob, separates the area from the sea and carries a road and railway line.Shot with the Nikon D7000 and the lovely 18-55mm vr 2.Love it how the clouds and sky gives a different color to the mountains.
Beaumaris Castle in Beaumaris, Anglesey, Wales, was built as part of Edward I's campaign to conquer north Wales after 1282. Plans were probably first made to construct the castle in 1284, but this was delayed due to lack of funds and work only began in 1295 following the Madog ap Llywelyn uprising. A substantial workforce was employed in the initial years under the direction of James of St George. Edward's invasion of Scotland soon diverted funding from the project, however, and work stopped, only recommencing after an invasion scare in 1306. When work finally ceased around 1330 a total of £15,000 had been spent, a huge sum for the period, but the castle remained incomplete.
Shot with my DJi Mini 3 Pro
Caernarfon Town Wall at Castle Ditch near "Hole In the Wall Street".
Click here for more photographs of Caernarfon: www.jhluxton.com/Wales/Gwynedd/Caernarfon
The first fortification on the site was a motte-and-bailey castle built in the late 11th century, which King Edward I of England began to replace with the current stone structure in 1283. The castle and town established by Edward acted as the administrative centre of north Wales, and as a result the defences were built on a grand scale.
There was a deliberate link with Caernarfon's Roman past—nearby is the Roman fort of Segontium—and the castle's walls are reminiscent of the Walls of Constantinople.
While the castle was under construction, town walls were built around Caernarfon. The work cost between £20,000 and £25,000 from the start until the work ended in 1330. Although the castle appears mostly complete from the outside, the interior buildings no longer survive and many parts of the structure were never finished.
In 1294 the town and castle were sacked and captured by Madog ap Llywelyn during his rebellion against the English, but were recaptured the following year. The castle was unsuccessfully besieged during the Glyndŵr Rising of 1400–1415. When the Tudor dynasty ascended to the English throne in 1485, tensions between the Welsh and English began to diminish and castles were considered less important. As a result, Caernarfon Castle was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.
Despite its dilapidated condition, during the English Civil War Caernarfon Castle was held by Royalists and besieged three times by Parliamentarian forces. This was the last time the castle was used in war. The castle was neglected until the 19th century when the state funded repairs.
The castle was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1911 and again in 1969. The castle is managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service. It is part of the World Heritage Site "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd".
The close of the 2002 Vintage weekend was to have been a long train of slate waggons doubleheaded by Prince and Palmerston. After a long wait only Prince appeared making a good go at the gradient at Bron Madog with the heavy train which later required sanding to keep moving up the line
Porthmadog, The Gateway To Snowdonia
Welcome to Porthmadog, the base from which to explore all of Snowdonia; it is the gateway to the country’s most breathtaking National Park covering 840 square miles with its purple tipped mountains and forests.
From whichever direction the town is approached you cannot fail to be impressed by the town’s stunning setting. It is dominated on one side by a mountain known as ‘Moel y Gest' 262 metres above the town. To the North and East the wide expanse of the Glaslyn estuary, renowned as a haven for migrating birds and wildlife. extends dramatically towards the Snowdon range.
Porthmadog is a bustling town, full of individual shops and places to eat. It has with a strong and proud heritage, culture and community. The Welsh language is a key part of its identity, commonly spoken here and its people are particularly warm and friendly.
In this once great seaport, rich in maritime history and the home of the Ffestiniog Railway, you are ideally placed for visiting all of the main tourist attractions of Snowdonia on days out. With all the majesty of Snowdonia as a backdrop and a coastline with beaches second to none, you couldn't find a more attractive spot for a holiday.
Almost whatever you want from a holiday is available within easy reach of Porthmadog. Steam Railway buffs just love the place not only because of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Jump on a train at either end of the town, enjoy the mountain scenery and talk endlessly of Fat Controllers, Thomas the Tank Engine and just everything there is to know about steam.
Travelling from the south, you enter into the town along the famous 'Cob', built to form the deep harbour from where great sailing ships carried around the world slate mined in Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Cob also carries the railway initially built to carry the slate from the quarries to the harbour.
Shot with the Nikon D7000 and the Nikon 18-55mm vr2 in HDR.
Conwy Castle is a medieval fortification in Conwy, on the north coast of Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.
Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1646 when it surrendered to the Parliamentary armies. In the aftermath the castle was partially slighted by Parliament to prevent it being used in any further revolt, and was finally completely ruined in 1665 when its remaining iron and lead was stripped and sold off. Conwy Castle became an attractive destination for painters in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Visitor numbers grew and initial restoration work was carried out in the second half of the 19th century. In the 21st century the ruined castle is managed by Cadw as a tourist attraction.
UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site.
My travels around the UK by car for three weeks with my son. June/July 2019 Wales.
Day Nine .. In Beaumaris for a quick look around before going onto Hirael where we are staying the night.
Beaumaris in Beaumaris, Anglesey, Wales, was built as part of Edward I's campaign to conquer north Wales after 1282. Plans were probably first made to construct the castle in 1284, but this was delayed due to lack of funds and work only began in 1295 following the Madog ap Llywelyn uprising. A substantial workforce was employed in the initial years under the direction of James of St George. Edward's invasion of Scotland soon diverted funding from the project, however, and work stopped, only recommencing after an invasion scare in 1306. When work finally ceased around 1330 a total of £15,000 had been spent, a huge sum for the period, but the castle remained incomplete.
The castle design formed an inner and an outer ward, surrounded in turn by a moat, now partially filled. The main entrance to the castle was the Gate next the Sea, next to the castle's tidal dock that allowed it to be supplied directly by sea. The dock was protected by a wall later named the Gunners Walk and a firing platform that may have housed a trebuchet siege engine during the medieval period. The Gate next the Sea led into an outer barbican, protected by a drawbridge, arrow slits and murder-holes, leading on into the outer ward.
UNESCO considers Beaumaris to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site.
For More Info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaumaris_Castle
My travels around the UK by car for three weeks with my son. June/July 2019 Wales.
Day Ten .. a visit to Conway Castle before making our way to Liverpool for the night.
Conwy Castle is a fortification in Conwy, located in North Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.
UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site. The rectangular castle is built from local and imported stone and occupies a coastal ridge, originally overlooking an important crossing point over the River Conwy. Divided into an Inner and an Outer Ward, it is defended by eight large towers and two barbicans, with a postern gate leading down to the river, allowing the castle to be resupplied from the sea. It retains the earliest surviving stone machicolations in Britain and what historian Jeremy Ashbee has described as the "best preserved suite of medieval private royal chambers in England and Wales". In keeping with other Edwardian castles in North Wales, the architecture of Conwy has close links to that found in the Kingdom of Savoy during the same period, an influence probably derived from the Savoy origins of the main architect, James of Saint George.
For More Info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conwy_Castle
Welsh Pony steam through Bron Madog, just beyond Boston Lodge, on a typical August day with the lunch time Woodland Wonder with very little to give away this is a 2021 Covid secure service.
The Upper Ward with Eagle Tower in the background viewed through an arrow loop in the castle wall.
Click here for more photographs of Caernarfon: www.jhluxton.com/Wales/Gwynedd/Caernarfon
The first fortification on the site was a motte-and-bailey castle built in the late 11th century, which King Edward I of England began to replace with the current stone structure in 1283. The castle and town established by Edward acted as the administrative centre of north Wales, and as a result the defences were built on a grand scale.
There was a deliberate link with Caernarfon's Roman past—nearby is the Roman fort of Segontium—and the castle's walls are reminiscent of the Walls of Constantinople.
While the castle was under construction, town walls were built around Caernarfon. The work cost between £20,000 and £25,000 from the start until the work ended in 1330. Although the castle appears mostly complete from the outside, the interior buildings no longer survive and many parts of the structure were never finished.
In 1294 the town and castle were sacked and captured by Madog ap Llywelyn during his rebellion against the English, but were recaptured the following year. The castle was unsuccessfully besieged during the Glyndŵr Rising of 1400–1415. When the Tudor dynasty ascended to the English throne in 1485, tensions between the Welsh and English began to diminish and castles were considered less important. As a result, Caernarfon Castle was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.
Despite its dilapidated condition, during the English Civil War Caernarfon Castle was held by Royalists and besieged three times by Parliamentarian forces. This was the last time the castle was used in war. The castle was neglected until the 19th century when the state funded repairs.
The castle was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1911 and again in 1969. The castle is managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service. It is part of the World Heritage Site "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd".
Caernarfon Castle, which is almost on the edge of the Menai Strait in North Wales, was built by King Edward I (commencing in 1283) as part of a strategic ring of castles around Wales. The town and castle were sacked in 1294 when Madog ap Llywelyn led a rebellion against the English. Caernarfon was recaptured the following year. During the Glyndŵr Rising of 1400–1415, the castle was besieged once more. When the Tudor dynasty ascended to the English throne in 1485, tensions between the Welsh and English began to diminish and castles were considered less important. As a result, Caernarfon Castle was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. Despite its dilapidated condition, during the English Civil War Caernarfon Castle was held by Royalists, and was besieged three times by Parliamentarian forces. This was the last time the castle was used in war. Caernarfon Castle was neglected until the 19th century when the state funded repairs. In 1911, Caernarfon Castle was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, and again in 1969.
The Romans originally had a fort on the edge of what was to become Caernarfon, and the Normans built a motte and bailey castle here on this site. King Edward's castle replaced it.
Source: Wikipedia.
The Grade I Listed Conwy Castle built between 1283 and 1289 during King Edward I's second campaign in Wales. In Conwy, Conwy County, North Wales.
It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and managed by Cadw. It is also part of the World Heritage Site entitled Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. The Castle was built along with the Town Walls at the combined cost of £15,000, (approximately £7.6 million in today's money).
Before the English construction of the town of Conwy, the site was occupied by Aberconwy Abbey, a Cistercian monastery favoured by the Welsh princes. The site also controlled an important crossing point over the river Conwy between the coastal and inland areas of North Wales and was defended for many years by Deganwy Castle.
The English kings and Welsh princes had vied for control of the region since the 1070s and the conflict had been renewed during the 13th century, leading to Edward I intervening in North Wales for the second time during his reign in 1282.
Edward invaded with a huge army, pushing north from Carmarthen and westwards from Montgomery and Chester. Edward captured Aberconwy in March 1283 and decided that the location would form the centre of a new county: the abbey would be relocated eight miles inland and a new English castle and walled town would be built on the monastery's former site.
The ruined castle of Deganwy was abandoned and never rebuilt. Edward's plan was a colonial enterprise and placing the new town and walls on top of such a high-status native Welsh site was in part a symbolic act to demonstrate English power.
Information Source:
Caernarfon Castle, which is almost on the edge of the Menai Strait in North Wales, was built by King Edward I (commencing in 1283) as part of a strategic ring of castles around Wales. The town and castle were sacked in 1294 when Madog ap Llywelyn led a rebellion against the English. Caernarfon was recaptured the following year. During the Glyndŵr Rising of 1400–1415, the castle was besieged once more. When the Tudor dynasty ascended to the English throne in 1485, tensions between the Welsh and English began to diminish and castles were considered less important. As a result, Caernarfon Castle was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. Despite its dilapidated condition, during the English Civil War Caernarfon Castle was held by Royalists, and was besieged three times by Parliamentarian forces. This was the last time the castle was used in war. Caernarfon Castle was neglected until the 19th century when the state funded repairs. In 1911, Caernarfon Castle was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, and again in 1969.
The Romans originally had a fort on the edge of what was to become Caernarfon, and the Normans built a motte and bailey castle here on this site. King Edward's castle replaced it.
Source: Wikipedia.
Trwyn Du Lighthouse is a lighthouse between Dinmor Point near Penmon and Ynys Seriol, or Puffin Island, south east Anglesey, at the north entrance to the Menai Strait (grid reference: SH 6 44815) and marking the passage between the two islands.
Upper Ward with a Mediveal Living History display in progress.
Click here for more photographs of Caernarfon: www.jhluxton.com/Wales/Gwynedd/Caernarfon
The first fortification on the site was a motte-and-bailey castle built in the late 11th century, which King Edward I of England began to replace with the current stone structure in 1283. The castle and town established by Edward acted as the administrative centre of north Wales, and as a result the defences were built on a grand scale.
There was a deliberate link with Caernarfon's Roman past—nearby is the Roman fort of Segontium—and the castle's walls are reminiscent of the Walls of Constantinople.
While the castle was under construction, town walls were built around Caernarfon. The work cost between £20,000 and £25,000 from the start until the work ended in 1330. Although the castle appears mostly complete from the outside, the interior buildings no longer survive and many parts of the structure were never finished.
In 1294 the town and castle were sacked and captured by Madog ap Llywelyn during his rebellion against the English, but were recaptured the following year. The castle was unsuccessfully besieged during the Glyndŵr Rising of 1400–1415. When the Tudor dynasty ascended to the English throne in 1485, tensions between the Welsh and English began to diminish and castles were considered less important. As a result, Caernarfon Castle was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.
Despite its dilapidated condition, during the English Civil War Caernarfon Castle was held by Royalists and besieged three times by Parliamentarian forces. This was the last time the castle was used in war. The castle was neglected until the 19th century when the state funded repairs.
The castle was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1911 and again in 1969. The castle is managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service. It is part of the World Heritage Site "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd".
It's hard to imagine the town's magnificent walls and castle were completed in a period of 4 years in 1287.
Conwy Castle is a medieval fortification in Conwy, on the north coast of Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.
Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1646 when it surrendered to the Parliamentary armies. In the aftermath the castle was partially slighted by Parliament to prevent it being used in any further revolt, and was finally completely ruined in 1665 when its remaining iron and lead was stripped and sold off. Conwy Castle became an attractive destination for painters in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Visitor numbers grew and initial restoration work was carried out in the second half of the 19th century. In the 21st century the ruined castle is managed by Cadw as a tourist attraction.
UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site. The rectangular castle is built from local and imported stone and occupies a coastal ridge, originally overlooking an important crossing point over the River Conwy. Divided into an Inner and an Outer Ward, it is defended by eight large towers and two barbicans, with a postern gate leading down to the river, allowing the castle to be resupplied from the sea.
My travels around the UK by car for three weeks with my son. June/July 2019 Wales.
Day Ten .. a visit to Conway Castle before making our way to Liverpool for the night.
Conwy Castle is a fortification in Conwy, located in North Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.
UNESCO considers Conwy to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site. The rectangular castle is built from local and imported stone and occupies a coastal ridge, originally overlooking an important crossing point over the River Conwy. Divided into an Inner and an Outer Ward, it is defended by eight large towers and two barbicans, with a postern gate leading down to the river, allowing the castle to be resupplied from the sea. It retains the earliest surviving stone machicolations in Britain and what historian Jeremy Ashbee has described as the "best preserved suite of medieval private royal chambers in England and Wales". In keeping with other Edwardian castles in North Wales, the architecture of Conwy has close links to that found in the Kingdom of Savoy during the same period, an influence probably derived from the Savoy origins of the main architect, James of Saint George.
For More Info: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conwy_Castle
Conwy Castle (Welsh: Castell Conwy) is a fortification in Conwy, located in North Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1289. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a huge sum for the period. Over the next few centuries, the castle played an important part in several wars. It withstood the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in the winter of 1294–95, acted as a temporary haven for Richard II in 1399 and was held for several months by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in 1401.