Photos of the Beautiful Medieval Conwy Castle Wales

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Photos of the Beautiful Medieval Conwy Castle Wales. An Edward I Castle built in 1283. Photos by photographer Paul E Williams.    (TIP – use the icons below the slideshow for thumbnail photos and info)

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Photos of the Beautiful Medieval Conwy Castle Wales.

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Photos of the Medieval Conwy Castle, Wales. An Edward I Castle.

Conwy Castle Massive Fortification

The fortifications of Conwy Castle are impressive by any standards. Built between 1283 and 1289 to guard an important crossing point over the River Conwy, its high towers and curtain wall are still in wonderful preservation today.

The castle was built for Edward 1st as part of a series of castles designed to subjugate the Welsh. Edward spent £15,000 building Conwy Castle, a staggering amount in medieval times.

Design of Conwy Castle

Conwy Castle has two barbicans, fortified gates and eight huge towers. The castle is built on a rocky outcrop next to the river. This has given its foundation the strength that has allowed it to last so well for the last 800 years.

Conwy Castle Royal Chambers

The castle was a Royal residence and has the best preserved suite of medieval royal chambers in England or Wales. At the end of the 14th century Conwy Castle was used as a refuge by Richard 11 during his war with Henry Bollinbroke. It was in this castle that he abdicated and was taken to London. He later died, what some say was a gruesome death in captivity, at Pontefract Castle.

Conwy Castle Slighted

During the English Civil War, Parliamentary forces besieged Conwy Castle. After a long siege the castle fell and was slighted or made unfit for military use. The castle was never repaired and was stripped of its lead and iron fittings.

By the 18th century it had become a picturesque ruin much loved by the artits of the time.

Conwy Castle is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site along with the other Welsh Castles of Edward I. They are collectively considered to be one of “the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe” by UNESCO.