Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
Built by Edward 1st in the late 13th century to guard Snowdonia, Harlech Castle stood like a sentinel, high above land and sea. Built upon a rocky outcrop Edward chose the perfect site for a fortress that would survive the centuries.
Nowadays the sea has receded so that Harlech castle seems stranded by the tide, but when it was built its seaward battlements continued down into a near vertical cliff face. Its imposing position was strengthened further by a massive twin towered gatehouse on the landward side of the castle. Not surprisingly Harlech Castle has been able to withstand the ages of time and battle very well and the walls still stand to almost their full height giving most breathtaking views, some of the best in Wales, from its magnificent battlements.
In 1404 Welsh leader Owain Glyndwr eventually managed to take Harlech Castle from the English and he used this fantastic structure, probably the best fortified location in North Wales at the time, for his parliament. More recently, during the Wars of the Roses, a long siege was held at Harlech Castle, and inspired the song 'Men of Harlech'.
