Beaumaris Castle

From Welshpedia

Beaumaris Castle, located in Beaumaris, Anglesey, was built as part of Edward I's campaign in North Wales. Begun in 1295, it was designed by James of St George. It was designed using a concentric plan, with its inner ward completely surrounded by an outer ward. For various reasons, the castle was never fully completed.

The construction of Beaumaris (beau mareys - fair marsh) Castle on the Isle of Anglesey started in 1295, it was the last of Edward the first’s “iron ring” of fortresses in north Wales and was built to complement Conwy, Caernarvon and Harlech castles in the same area. Many people regard Beaumaris as the most architecturally perfect castle in Britain and it has been designated as a World Heritage site, however the fortress was never fully completed as finances and material ran out before it reached it’s full height.

The King’s architect Master James of St George brought all his experience and brilliance to bear when constructing Beaumaris, it’s defences and lines of supply are superbly thought out. The castle has a tidal dock which allowed it to be supplied directly from the sea and it is surrounded by a water filled moat. The defences also included numerous ingeniously sited arrow slits and the entrances were protected by murder holes from which hot oil etc. could be poured over invaders. Any attack on Beaumaris would have to overcome 14 separate obstacles and four lines of fortifications made possible by the clever “walls within walls” design.

The inner ward of Beaumaris. (Photo by Mick Knapton licensed under GFDL)The castle is run and managed by CADW (The Welsh Assembly Environment Agency) and they provide visitors with a Guidebook, an On - Site exhibition, gifts and souvenirs, good disabled access and picnic facilities in the castle grounds. Ducks and swans swim on the castle moat.

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