COMMEMORATING WALES’S “RING OF STONE”
Edward I’s famous fortresses are celebrating decades of World Heritage status
The conquest of Wales by Edward I of England between 1277-83 saw the defeat of the last remaining Welsh principalities. Llewelyn ap Gruffudd, the last sovereign Prince of Wales was killed and the country became Edward’s personal fief. The following years saw the king embark on a harsh policy of English colonisation and settlement of Wales. This dramatically manifested itself in the construction of a series of imposing castles.
Known as the “ring of stone” around north Wales, the castles of Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy and Harlech were masterpieces of military engineering and remain dramatic structures in the Welsh landscape. They played an important role in local conflicts across the centuries including the revolt of Owain Glyndwr, the Wars of the Roses and the British Civil Wars.
Although the quartet of fortresses are now in various states of ruin, the historian Sidney Toy described them as “some of the most powerful castles of any age or country”. They were ultimately designated as a combined UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 as the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. The organisation considers them to be the “finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe”.
All four castles are now operated as major tourist attractions by the Welsh government heritage agency, Cadw. In keeping with their status as globally recognised historical sites, the castles will be holding special events to celebrate World Heritage Day. Approved by UNESCO in 1983 and traditionally held on 18 April, the castles will be holding separate events between 18-21 April 2019.
Events will be held at Beaumaris, Conwy and Harlech on 18 April exclusively. Beaumaris, which is located on the island of Anglesey, will be providing traditional Welsh music in the recently refurbished chapel. There will also be jester workshops and guided tours about the castle’s history.
Conwy will also be providing tours while Harlech is providing a tour by bus. The bus includes a conductor and guide who will provide a ground-level tour of the castle before encouraging visitors to explore the ramparts and towers.
As the largest and most complete castle of the four, Caernarfon is commemorating World Heritage Day on the weekend of 20-21 April. The castle is home to the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum and re-enactors from the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers Regiment of Foot will set up camp inside fortress. Visitors will be able to experience the sights and sounds of 19th century warfare courtesy of the resident redcoats.