Caernarfon Castle, Wales
As a writer of fantasy novels, I’m always looking for inspiration, background, ideas. And every so often, one comes across a place that speaks its history so loudly, it sends shivers down the spine.
This castle — this fortress — is so huge, so impressive, so symbolic, it appears more fantastic than historical, something worthy of a film set.
But real it is, with a history of repression, of labour and extravagant expenditure, of pomp and splendour, of the birth of one king and the investiture of a prince, of the besieging of royal troops, of the imprisonment of felons and debtors.
Edward I commanded its construction after the defeat of the Welsh
and the death of their prince, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, in 1282.
It still wasn’t completely finished when work on it was stopped in 1330.
It overlooks the River Seiont, and was linked to the walls around the town.
And the views from the Eagle Tower are truly spectacular.
I had never realised it was so huge. It really is a castle worth visiting. Been to Wales a couple of times but not to this castle unfortunately. I take it that it will be used in some future story?
As we marvel at this castle, let us also spare a thought for the Krak Des Chevaliers in Syria, that was damaged by warring. This is perhaps the strongest and most magnificent castle of all.
You have some lovely photos of this one! The weather was absolutely terrible when we went there. It was bucketing down so much by the time we left that I was concerned for my camera (it was OK, nothing that couldn't be cleaned). Suffice to say the rain did not improve the views, so lovely to see your photos!
Sorry to hear that, Anonymous.
It did rain quite a lot when we were in Wales, too. Never saw Snowdon!