Beaumaris Castle, Beaumaris, United Kingdom

Beaumaris Castle, 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.

Beaumaris Castle was taken by Welsh forces in 1403 during the rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr, but recaptured by royal forces in 1405.

In March 1592, the Welsh Roman Catholic priest and martyr William Davies was imprisoned in the castle, and was eventually hanged, drawn and quartered there on 27 July 1593.

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.

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.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

K Elf (17 months ago)
love love love. This castle was a fun one to tour as there is so much intact. There are so many places within its walls, including narrow passageways and other little gems. We spent hours here just enjoying seeing everything there was to see!

Connor Butler (19 months ago)
A must see castle. This was a great visit as you're able to still explore a large proportion of the castle both inside and out. There are some really nice views from the walls of the castle. The staff were extremely friendly and welcoming and there's a nice little gift shop. The entry price for an adult was £8.30 and I'd say it was good value for money, we spent at least 2 hours exploring. The tickets are day tickets so you can come and go from the castle as you please.

Alan Holt (19 months ago)
This another well preserved Castle built by an English king to keep the Welsh under control. The castle is really well kept, externally there is plenty of space and lots of activities to keep children busy, inside the castle the theme of keeping the kids interested is maintained. There are great views from the castle walls and lots of space to wander, there are plenty of benches where you can have a few quiet moments during a busy day and there is lots of places for picnics and for children to play. Well worth a visit.

Howard Cragg (20 months ago)
Absolutely love Beaumaris Castle. My favourite of the castles in North Wales, stunning flowing curved towers. Idyllic setting with incredible views. The chapel has the most amazing acoustics. Gift shop could be a bit better. Public toilets 1 minute walk from main entrance. Loads of good pubs and fish and chip shops within a couple of minutes walk.

Sara Dewey (23 months ago)
A beautiful, amazing castle! Fantastic views from up on the walkways/battlements, and lots of interesting nooks and crannies! Dogs are allowed (ground floor only) which is a bonus....Lucy the dog enjoyed herself too ☺️. Highly recommended.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Fagerjord

Historic Site of the week

Santa Maria in Trastevere

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches of Rome. The basic floor plan and wall structure of the church date back to the 340s, and much of the structure to 1140-43. The first sanctuary was built in 221 and 227 by Pope Callixtus I and later completed by Pope Julius I.

The inscription on the episcopal throne states that this is the first church in Rome dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, although some claim that privilege belongs to the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. A Christian house-church was founded here about 220 by Pope Saint Callixtus I (217-222) on the site of the Taberna meritoria, a refuge for retired soldiers. The area was made available for Christian use by Emperor Alexander Severus when he settled a dispute between the Christians and tavern-keepers.

The church underwent two restorations in the fifth and eighth centuries and in 1140-43 it was re-erected on its old foundations under Pope Innocent II.

Beaumaris Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Timeless Treasures of Wales

Historic Site of the week

Santa Maria in Trastevere