Castell Caernarfon

Heritage Site in Caernarfonshire

Wales

Castell Caernarfon

Butterbur flowering in January, Caernarfon On the Lon Eifion path, between St Helen&#039;s Road and the Welsh Highland Railway. — Butterbur flowering in January, Caernarfon Credit: Christine Johnstone

Castell Caernarfon is a medieval fortress located in the town of Caernarfon, Caernarfonshire, Wales. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most impressive and well-preserved castles in the country.

The castle was built by King Edward I of England in the late 13th century as part of his campaign to conquer Wales. Its strategic position on the banks of the Menai Strait made it a vital stronghold, controlling the sea route between North Wales and the Isle of Anglesey. The castle's design combined military strength with architectural grandeur, showcasing the power and authority of the English crown.

The castle's impressive features include polygonal towers, a massive curtain wall, and a unique polygonal plan that deviates from the traditional square or rectangular layout. Its walls are exceptionally thick, built with local stone and reinforced with bands of contrasting colored stone. The castle also features a series of impressive gatehouses, including the King's Gate and the Queen's Gate.

Castell Caernarfon has played a significant role in Welsh history. It was the site of the investiture of the Prince of Wales since 1911, a tradition that continues to this day. The castle attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to explore its extensive grounds, climb its towers for panoramic views, and learn about its rich history through exhibits and displays.

Overall, Castell Caernarfon is a remarkable testament to medieval architecture and a symbol of English dominance over Wales. It stands as a proud reminder of the country's past and remains an important cultural and historical site.

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Castell Caernarfon Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.1394/-4.277 or Grid Reference SH4762. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Butterbur flowering in January, Caernarfon

On the Lon Eifion path, between St Helen's Road and the Welsh Highland Railway.

Christine Johnstone

Telecoms mast, Caernarfon

At SP Energy Networks' depot on St Helen's Road.

Christine Johnstone

Lon Gwyrfai and Lon Eifion

Junction of two cycle paths on the southern edge of Caernarfon.

Christine Johnstone

Afon Seiont / River Seiont

Looking downstream [locally west] from the railway bridge just south of Caernarfon.

Christine Johnstone

Illuminated castle

Row17

Pivot benchmark on quay wall, Caernarfon

This pivot benchmark is on the water facing wall of Caernarfon quay just in front of the white bollard. As it is water facing it can only be safely observed from the opposite bank of Afon Seiont. The mark is not shown in the current Ordnance Survey database but is shown on a 1901 map of the area at a height of 9.8ft above the Liverpool datum.

Meirion

Rivet benchmark on wall at base of the black tower of Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon

This rivet benchmark is located on a low wall at the base of the black tower of Caernarfon castle & it is shown in the current Ordnance Survey database at a height of 5.2300m above the Newlyn datum.

Meirion

Victoria Dock

Row17

Walking route beside the Menai Straits

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Lon Eifion - NCR 8

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Inner Walls of Caernarfon Castle

Anthony Parkes

Booking office at the Welsh Highland Railway's Caernarfon Station

Booking office at the Welsh Highland Railway's northern Terminus at Caernarfon Station, with passengers making their way to the platform to catch the 11:00 train for Porthmadog. The station lies on the trackbed of a former standard gauge railway built as the Carnarvonshire Railway and opened in 1862. It continued northwards from this point, entering the tunnel whose mouth can just be seen in the middle distance. This line was closed in 1964. The current WHR station was opened in 1997.

David Tyers

Passengers boarding the train at Caernarfon Station

Passengers boarding the 11:00 Welsh Highland Railway train from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, while the engine (Garratt Class NG/G16 No.138) makes its way to the front of the train. For the first three miles, from here to Dinas, the railway follows the course of the former standard gauge Carnarvonshire railway, which it shares with the Lôn Eifion cycle track.

David Tyers

Harbour Offices, Caernarfon

Offices of the Caernarfon Harbour Trust, which was established in 1793. From the Trust's web site, "Caernarfon Harbour Trust is the authority responsible for the control of navigation and the provision and maintenance of navigational aids in the area from Britannia Bridge to Caernarfon Bay. It is also the competent Harbour Authority responsible for the provision of pilotage throughout the Menai Strait. The Trust provides and maintains a number of moorings in the River Seiont and Port Dinorwic. Additionally, it also serves as manager for Victoria Dock Marina, Caernarfon."

David Tyers

The TARDIS lands at the Castle, Caernarfon

Meirion

The TARDIS materialises on the Queen's Gate at the Castle, Caernarfon

Meirion

Benchmark on South Road, Caernarfon

This benchmark is located on the W side of South Road (Lôn Parc) on what is now the wall of the Tesco car park in Caernarfon & it is shown on an 1891 map of the area at a height of 63.1ft above the Liverpool datum.

Meirion

Benchmark on LÃ´n Parc, Caernarfon

This benchmark is located on the E side of Lôn Parc (South Road) in Caernarfon & it is shown in the current Ordnance Survey database at a height of 21.0101m above the Newlyn datum.

Meirion

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Castell Caernarfon is located at Grid Ref: SH4762 (Lat: 53.1394, Lng: -4.277)

Unitary Authority: Gwynedd

Police Authority: North Wales

Also known as: Caernarfon Castle