Caernarfon Castle (aka Caernarvon) is located in North Wales and was first built from 1283 CE by Edward I of England (r. 1272-1307 CE) to help, along with several other major castles, control the newly conquered area. As the administrative capital of Edward's still hostile province, Caernarfon Castle was tested in military attacks and modifications were then made to improve its defences which included the massive King's Gate. The castle would be added to extensively over the next half-century but more or less completed by 1330 CE. Today the castle is in a good state of preservation and continues to be important in the affairs of the monarchy, Prince Charles being invested there as Prince of Wales in 1969 CE like several of his predecessors. The castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 CE.
More about: Caernarfon CastleDefinition
Timeline
-
c. 1093A motte and bailey castle is built at Caernarfon in Wales by the Normans.
-
1115 - 1282Caernarfon is the site of the Welsh royal court.
-
1272 - 1307Reign of Edward I of England.
-
1283 - 1330Caernarfon Castle in Wales is built, a project begun by Edward I of England.
-
1283 - 1292The first major building phase at Caernarfon Castle in Wales.
-
25 Apr 1284Edward II of England is born in Caernarfon Castle in Wales.
-
1294The Welsh leader Madog ap Llywelyn attacks and burns Caernarfon Castle.
-
1295 - 1323Second major building phase at Caernarfon Castle in Wales.
-
1295Edward I of England recaptures Caernarfon Castle in Wales.
-
1316The traditional wooden hall of the Welsh princes is moved from Conwy to Caernarfon Castle.
-
c. 1317The Eagle Tower, a castle keep, is completed at Caernarfon Castle in Wales.
-
1330Caernarfon Castle reaches its final appearance (even if parts will never be completed).
-
1403 - 1404Caernarfon Castle is twice besieged by the Welsh leader Owain Glyn Dwr.
