Chirk Castle was built in 1295 by Roger Mortimer de Chirk as part of King Edward I’s chain of fortresses through the north of Wales. The castle guards the entrance to the Dee and Ceiriog valleys and was probably designed by architect Master James of St. George, who is also credited with planning Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Harlech castles.
During the medieval period, Chirk oscillated between glory and disgrace. It changed hands regularly between some of the most important men of the age, such as the Earls of Arundel, Cardinal Henry Beaufort, the Dukes of Somerset, Richard, Duke of Gloucester (later King Richard III) Sir William Stanley, and many more.
The West Range includes the Adam Tower, complete with its two-level dungeons, medieval garderobes (toilets) and murder holes. Some days feature demonstrations of weapons, and the family activity room includes games, try on costumes and exhibitions to explore the history of the castle.