UK Castles: Harlech Castle (Castell Harlech)
Harlech Castle in North Wales was built by the invading English king Edward I between 1282 and 1289.
The castle was captured by Owain Glyndŵr in 1404 and retaken by the English in 1409.
Harlech Castle was fought over in both the War of the Roses and the English Civil War. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Beaumaris, Conwy and Caernarfon.
History
The sea once came much closer to the castle than it does now and when the castle was built by Master James of Saint George (c.1230-1309), a series of steps, the so-called "Way from the Sea" allowed the castle to be supplied by sea.
Construction began in 1282 and ceased around 1289. Like the other castles in the UNESCO World Heritage group Harlech was designed by James of Saint George from Savoy in France. he was rewarded by being named as Constable of the castle.
With an initial garrison of just 36 men, Harlech Castle was first besieged during the uprising led by Madog ap Llywelyn in 1294. His forces also attacked nearby Criccieth Castle and Aberystwyth Castle in Aberystwyth to the south. The "Way from the Sea" saved the defenders and the rebellion was eventually crushed.
The castle's defences were improved following this attack. Owain Glyndŵr did take the under prepared castle during his revolt against English rule in 1404, however. Harlech became Glyndŵr's base and main residence until it was besieged by Harry of Monmouth, the future Henry V. The commander of the castle, Edmund Mortimer was killed in the siege and Glyndŵr's wife and two of his daughters were taken prisoner and were later to die in The Tower of London.
Men of Harlech
Another siege, this time during the War of the Roses, would inspire the song 'Men of Harlech' . A large army under the command of William Herbert of Raglan laid siege to the castle, whose brave defenders held out for a month. All in all the Lancastrian forces at Harlech had been under pressure for seven years from their Yorkist enemies - thus the castle can claim to have endured the longest known siege in the history of Britain.
The castle was attacked once again, this time during the English Civil War in the 1640s. Indeed, it was the last Royalist fortress to fall in that conflict.
Access & Hours
Harlech Castle
Harlech LL46 2YH
Tel: 03000 252239
www: cadw.gov.wales
The castle is open every day with times varying according to the season, from 10 am to 4 pm in winter and 9 am to 5 pm or 6 pm in spring and summer. The castle is closed on 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.
Entry must be pre-booked online above.
The town is on the A496 from Barmouth and the A487/A496 from Porthmadog. The nearest railway station is Harlech on the Shrewsbury-Machynlleth/Pwllheli route on the Cambrian Line. Harlech is about 20 minutes by car north of Barmouth and around 2 hours, 40 minutes west of Birmingham.
Buses 38 and 39 (number 2 on Sundays) run on the Barmouth-Harlech/Porthmadog route.
Nearby
Other places of interest nearby include the Menai Bridges linking the Welsh mainland to the Isle of Anglesey and Portmeirion. Blaenau Ffestiniog and its heritage railway is also a short drive away. Criccieth Castle, Dyffryn Ardudwy and Penarth Fawr Medieval House are within 10 miles or less.
Stay in Harlech
Some recommended places to stay in Harlech include Crown Lodge with views of the beach and sea and free WiFi as well as Byrdir House, a guesthouse with free parking and just over 300 meters from the castle.
See a listing on hotels in and near Harlech
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