TimeRef - History Timelines

'MyProject' (add page) | Contact | About | Site Map | Guestbook

» Home » Places » Harlech Castle - [Castle] (SH 5804 3124)

DetailsGoogle Maps ViewMedieval Map

Harlech Castle is one of a group of castles built by Edward I in Wales. Begun in 1283 this castle was designed and built by James of St. George, a master castle builder employed for his castle building skills by the King. The castle is built on an outcrop of rock and is defended by a moat and steep cliffs. The castle was captured by the Welsh as part of the revolt of Owen Glendower in 1404. Owen then used the castle as his base of operations against the English. The English besieged the castle in 1407 and the siege lasted until 1409 when the revolt came to an end.

Mini Timeline

1283	Mar	Castle Criccieth captured
		Edward moved around the Welsh coast to attack and capture the Welsh castle at Criccieth. He then moved on and ordered another castle to be built at Harlech.
	May	Harlech Castle begun
		Work began on Harlech Castle. Money for the construction being moved from Cymer Abbey a few miles to the south of the new castle's location.
1404		Harlech Castle siege
		The Welsh captured Harlech Castle and the fortess became the base for Owen's revolt.
1407		Harlech Castle siege
		The English besiege the Welsh in Harlech Castle.
1409	Mar	Harlech falls to the English
		The Welsh in Harlech Castle surrender to the English and the revolt of Welsh comes to an end. Edmund Mortimer was killed.