Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle, located on the coast of north Wales, one of the six fortresses built by Edward I to secure his conquests in Wales. It occupies a commanding position on a platform of rock about 60 m (200 ft) above Morfa Harlech marshes and originally faced directly out to sea. Like Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle, two others in Edward I's chain of fortresses in north Wales, it was designed by Master James of St George. Its principal feature is a massive gatehouse three storeys high that faces on to the town of Harlech. It was used as a living area by the castle's constable.

Harlech Castle has had a chequered history. In 1404 it was taken by the Welsh rebel leader Owen Glendower and used by him for four years as his capital. Later in the 15th century Yorkist forces laid siege to it for eight years during the Wars of the Roses, finally surrendering in 1468. The castle's stubborn resistance supposedly inspired the famous song “March of the Men of Harlech”.