Harlech Castle Facts & Worksheets

• Harlech has a square floor plan with four large circular towers at the corners and a massive double-towered gatehouse on the eastern side. The gatehouse follows the Tonbridge-style design popular in the 13th century, with two D-shaped towers flanking the entrance. Access to the gatehouse was originally across a stone bridge, which linked the two ditch towers to the main entrance, although only the timber replacement remains today. 
• The gate passage was defended by three portcullises, at least two strong doors, and murder holes (openings for dropping stones or liquids on attackers).
• The upper floors of the gatehouse had large windows and fireplaces, likely used as living spaces for the castle constable or important visitors. The first floor also contained a chapel, and the second floor had additional windows and possibly accommodation for senior guests. The inner ward was surrounded by four circular towers, each with names that changed over the centuries, and contained essential buildings such as a chapel, kitchen, granary, service buildings and a great hall. The southeast tower, called the Garden Tower, included a postern gate giving restricted access to the inner bailey.
• The outer ward was protected by a second wall, a wide moat on the east and south sides, a sheer cliff to the north, and the sea to the west. Additional labour cut a ditch around the southeast corner, the most vulnerable area. Height and strong walls were key defensive features, preventing attackers from climbing with ladders and deflecting arrows.
• Harlech’s architecture also shows links to the Savoy style, seen in semi-circular door arches, window designs, corbelled towers and putlog hole placement. These details may reflect the influence of Savoy craftsmen working under Master James, although some similarities might have resulted from later developments in the region.
• Later, the castle was strengthened after attacks by Welsh rebels led by Madog ap Llywelyn (1294–1295). A third stone and lime wall was added at the base of the cliffs, with platforms for artillery, a new gate, and a drawbridge for direct sea access, improving both defence and supply lines.

HISTORY

Historical Timeline of the Castle:

• 1282 – Edward I conquers North Wales; site of Harlech taken by English.
• 1283 – Construction of Harlech Castle begins.
• 1289 – Castle mostly completed; garrison of 36 men.
• 1294–1295 – Welsh revolt led by Madog ap Llywelyn; Harlech survives siege.
• 1400–1404 – Owain Glyndŵr’s revolt; castle falls and becomes his headquarters.
• 1408–1409 – English forces retake the castle after a siege.
• 1460–1468 – Wars of the Roses: Lancastrians hold Harlech; castle finally captured by Edward IV.
• 1644–1647 – English Civil War: Royalists hold the castle; surrenders to Parliamentarians; partially destroyed.
• 18th–19th centuries – Castle becomes popular with tourists and artists.
• 1914 – Restoration begins after World War I.
• 1969 – Castle comes under Welsh Office and later Cadw.
• 1986 – Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

13th–14th Centuries: Construction and Early Sieges

• The site of Harlech Castle is linked in Welsh legend to Branwen, a princess of myth, but there is no evidence of an earlier fortification. The kings of England and Welsh princes had been competing for control of North Wales since the 1070s. 
• During Edward I’s second campaign in 1282, English forces advanced northwards through Wales, capturing the area of Harlech. Sir Otton de Grandson took the site with 560 infantry in May 1282.
• Following this conquest, Edward I ordered the construction of Harlech Castle as part of his ‘Ring of Iron’, a series of seven strategically placed castles across North Wales built after his 1282 campaign to control the region and prevent Welsh uprisings. Construction began in April 1283 under the supervision of Master James of Saint George, a Savoy architect. Money for the initial phase arrived in mid-May, and carpenters and 35 stonemasons were dispatched to start work. By winter 1283, the first 15 feet (4.6 m) of the inner walls were completed, allowing the castle to be defended during construction. A small town was also planned alongside the castle.
• In 1285, John de Bonvillars was appointed constable of the castle. After his death in 1287, his wife Agnes Bonvillars held the position until 1290. By 1286, the workforce included 546 labourers, 115 quarriers, 30 blacksmiths, 22 carpenters and 227 stonemasons, costing nearly £240 a month. Harlech Castle was essentially complete by 1289, at a total cost of about £8,190, around 10% of the £80,000 Edward spent on castles in Wales.
• The castle was garrisoned by 36 men, including a constable, 30 soldiers (10 crossbowmen), a chaplain, a smith, a carpenter and a stonemason. Master James himself served as constable from 1290 to 1293.
• In 1294–1295, Madog ap Llywelyn led a revolt against English rule. Harlech was besieged, at times defended by just 37 men. Thanks to its sea access through a water gate, the castle was resupplied and survived the siege. After the revolt, additional defences were built along the route to the sea. Further enhancements were made in 1323–1324 following the Despenser War to strengthen the gatehouse approach.