Harlech Castle is a Grade I-listed medieval fortification constructed atop a spur of rock by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289. Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of gifted architect Master James of St George.
The castle played an important part in several wars in the following decades, withstanding the siege of Madog ap Llywelyn in 1294–95, but falling to Owain Glyndŵr in 1404. During the Wars of the Roses, Harlech was held by the Lancastrians for seven years.
The castle is built of local stone and has a concentric design featuring a massive gatehouse. A water-gate and long flight of steps leads down to the former shore, which allowed the castle to be resupplied by sea during sieges.
Harlech Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of “the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe”.