Brief History of Caernarfon Castle
- 1090: Hugh of Avranches, first Norman earl of Chester, builds castle on current site
- 1115: Welsh princes reclaim Gwynedd, take possession and stay in the castle
- 1283: Edward I starts construction work on castle and town walls
- 1284: Edward and his Queen Eleanor visit, lodge and have Prince Edward there in April
- 1292: Construction ends, having cost about £12,000 (about £100 million today!)
- 1294: Madoc ap Llywelyn storms Caernarfon; Sheriff killed; structural damage from fire
- 1295: Extensive rebuilding begins on castle; walls rebuilt for £1 million in today's money
- 1330: Repairs finally completed for £20,000-£25,000 (about £200 million today)
- 1538: Caernarfon falls into decay and by 1620 a few rooms are used as county prisons
- 1880: Sir Llewelyn Turner restores castle using sandstone from Mostyn, Flintshire
Visitor Information Summary
- Run by CADW
- Disabled access
- Car park right outside
- Assistance dogs only
- Wear comfy shoes - it's massive!
- Sat Nav: LL55 2AY
