On my first visit to Wales and as an introduction to Welsh history my friend Yvonne took me to visit CaernarfonCastle. Getting to visit this magnificent medieval building in Gwynedd, north-west Wales was the perfect introduction to the rich Welsh history and culture.
I loved walking through the narrow streets and over the cobbled roads of the Edwardian town of Caernarfon. This town and castle acted as the administrative centre of North Wales for King Edward I of England in 1283 and as a result the defences were built on a grand scale.
While the castle was under construction, town walls were built around Caernarfon and they are still visible in parts of the town. These walls were quite narrow when compared to other fortified towns and we could not walk around the town along these old walls.
I love castles and the stories that always accompany them. I love exploring the different castles dotted around England and was so excited at actually getting to walk through a Welsh castle! Walking through the huge stone entranceway I was actually expecting a completely restored castle on the inside. Bur despite CaernarfonCastle’s external appearance of being mostly complete, the interior buildings are mostly in ruins and many of the building plans were never finished to start with. The rears of the King’s Gate (the entrance from the town) and the Queen’s Gate (the entrance from the south-east) were left unfinished, and foundations in the castle’s interior mark where buildings would have stood had work continued. This was quite a surprise but I had so much fun walking along the parts of the castle that were still standing and open to the public.
Seeing as I am a bit afraid of hights I did cling to the rope while climbing this very steep spiral staircase up the Queens Tower. The castle of Caernarfon was one of the most impressive of its time in Wales, and its construction – along with other Edwardian castles in the country – helped establish English rule. According to the Flores Historiarum, during the construction of the castle and planned town, the body of the Roman emperor Magnus Maximus was discovered at Caernarfon and Edward I ordered his reburial in a local church.
While walking along the castle walls I used my camera to look over the edge at the world below ad I didnt want to get to close to the edge. I did look like a scared crab up there sliding along the wall, trying to look brave and not scared while doing this.
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. 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, CaernarfonCastle was allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.
Yes, Im actually clinging to the handrails and not spreading my arms as usual as I did not feel to secure up on these walls. It has nothing to do with their stability but all to do with my fear of hights.
CaernarfonCastle was neglected until the 19th century when the state funded repairs. From the 1870s onwards, the government funded repairs to CaernarfonCastle. Steps, battlements, and roofs were repaired, and the moat to the north of the castle was cleared of post-medieval buildings that were considered to spoil the view, despite the protest of locals.  In 1911, Caernarfon was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales for the first time. He later became Edward VIII. In 1969 the precedent was repeated with the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales.
 It is now part of the World Heritage Site “Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd“.
Janaline's world journey 
How very different from your far eastern adventures, Janaline! 🙂 But no less enjoyable for you, I hope. I was last in Carnaervon for the Investiture, more years ago than I care to remember. Wales is beautiful (but sometimes wet! 🙂 )
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We have distant relatives in Caernarfon – thanks for taking us back there! Fond memories.
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This post brings back some fantastic memories. Rich (the person behind all things Jaspa) was born in North Wales, and Caernarfon is his all-time favourite castle! He introduced me and Sue to it back almost 11 years ago.
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beautiful pictures and very nice history! thanks for sharing.
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Thanks! I had a lovely day exploring my very first Welsh castle!
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I loved your description of looking like a scared crab. Good for you to not let fear prevent you from exploring! Beautiful photos as always.
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Thanks Sue. Although I am afraid of hights I do try to explore these beautiful places…even if it leaves me with knees shaking and clinging to the rails. Its all part of the adventure!
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Very much my kind of place!
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I love exploring castles and have so much fun trying to imagine what it must have looked like decades ago when they were inhabited by kings and queens or lords.
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That’s a majestic, well-preserved castle! Great photos. Thank you for the tour, Janaline!
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It is a beautiful castle and I love that we cpould actually walk on top of the castle walls and get to see the castle and town from up there.
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This is just breath taking brilliant…. I am so pleased you decided to follow me now I get to enjoy your posts… thank you…
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A very warm welcome to my journey and looking forward to seeing what you get up to.
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Definitely one of my favourite Welsh castles, along with Harlech.
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I have not been to Harlech yet but must admit there are still so many amazing castles that I havent explored yet…..
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Wow, I have always wanted to do that. Bet you had a glorious time exploring. Thank you for sharing the fantastic photos. 🙂
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It was lovely exploring this beautiful ols castle and get a glimpse of what it must have been like living in Wales all those decades ago.
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Incredible post!! We love castles & they fascinate us so much! Especially now that we have finally got around to watching & finishing ‘The Tudors’ series 🙂 Very keen to go the UK & explore more castles!
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The castles around Britain are fabulous to explore and after watching the Tudors it is so much easier to imagine what it must have looked like back then.
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Fantastic! My daughter and I are planning a trip thru the UK next July and you’ve piqued my interest about the various castles. This one looks particularly interesting!
Ps. I’d be hanging onto the handrails too!!!!
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You should definitely have a look at the castles, there are some amazing castles dotted all over Britain. It is so much fun exploring the castles and at the same time learn about the rich history of Britain.
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Brings back some grand memories of Caernafon Castle from my first honeymoon back in ’92 🙂
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It is a lovely lace to explore, and surely a fabulous place to explore with someone special.
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Yep 🙂
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Bonjour Jan
This brings back memories of 1959 when as an 8 year old we went on a school trip to North Wales for a week. It rained every day and Llandudno, where we stayed is miserable when its wet.
It was atop the Eagle Tower at the Castle that l discovered that l have an uncontrollable fear of heights. My teachers thought l was ill as l amost fainted and froze on the spot.
I think the Eiffel Tower looks magnificent – From the ground!
Lovely post as always
Regards
Dan
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I understand your fear of hights as I have to work hard not to be frozen on the spot when up this high. We were quite lucky to have some long sunny bursts which gave us lots of opportunity to explore the places.
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