Caernarfon Castle: The Prince of Wales investiture castle
As Sky HISTORY’s Great British Castle Rescue lands, we look at the 11th-century Caernarfon Castle, where Charles III was invested as Prince of Wales.
Image: Caernarfon Castle | Shutterstock.com
Many castles built centuries ago have since fallen into ruin. However, there have also been efforts to save them for posterity. In the new Sky HISTORY series Great British Castle Rescue, presenter Rick Edwards shines a spotlight on such endeavours. The new show starts Monday, 9 March at 9pm.
The on-screen teams fighting to restore dilapidated British castles to their former glory can take inspiration from the story of Caernarfon Castle. The current structure of this medieval fortress in northwest Wales came together in the 11th century but later fell into disrepair.
Since the Victorian period, new life has been breathed into Caernarfon Castle – the site of Charles III’s high-profile investiture as Prince of Wales in 1969. We at Sky HISTORY are now looking back at the history of the castle – from its construction to its decline and modern-day renaissance.
When was Caernarfon Castle built?
Today, Caernarfon Castle is a popular tourist destination in the Welsh county of Gwynedd. With the castle’s tight cluster of Disney-like towers, it makes a stunning, imposing sight on the bank of the River Seiont. However, these certainly weren’t the earliest fortifications erected at the site.
The Caernarfon Castle we see today was preceded by a Norman-era motte-and-bailey castle intended to help William the Conqueror cement power over north Wales. Even earlier than that was a Roman fort named Segontium.
Despite these early efforts to fortify the area, the natives remained restless even after Edward I ascended to the English throne in 1272 AD. In 1282, he found himself having to fend off a Welsh rebellion led by Llywelyn ap Gruffuld.
After Llywelyn died later that year and Edward finally put down the revolt, the king evidently decided not to take any chances. By the summer of 1283, he was underway with building Caernarfon Castle.
Another ultimately short-lived Welsh rebellion broke out in the mid-1290s, with the castle set ablaze by Madog ap Llywelyn’s forces. Construction work otherwise continued in phases, but had come to an end by 1330.
Caernarfon Castle’s use as a military stronghold
Caernarfon Castle once again became a target of Welsh rebels in the early 15th century. This time, it was besieged by troops led by Owain Glyndŵr – but the garrisoned castle held out.
Given the repeated English attempts to subdue Wales, it’s ironic that a dynasty of Welsh origin soon took royal power in England. Yes, we’re talking about the Tudors, with Henry Tudor winning the Battle of Bosworth Field to become Henry VII in 1485. Were Caernarfon Castle’s days as a military outpost now numbered? Not quite…
The castle did go through a period of neglect. By 1620, few of its buildings still had roofs intact. However, during the English Civil War between Charles I and Parliament in the 1640s, Caernarfon Castle remained in sufficient shape to be garrisoned by Royalists. The enemy ‘Roundheads’ finally took the castle for themselves in 1646 as the king’s cause collapsed.
Caernarfon Castle hosts investiture ceremonies for two Princes of Wales
The Victorian era was a big one for the historical conservation moment, and Caernarfon Castle got a lot of that love. The site was extensively restored well into the 20th century. In 1911, the future Edward VIII was invested as Prince of Wales at an elaborate ceremony here.
It was an apt choice of location. Edward I had started the tradition of the reigning English monarch bestowing the title of ‘Prince of Wales’ upon their male heir. Indeed, after Charles was given the same title by his mother Queen Elizabeth II, he also got the chance to celebrate at Caernarfon Castle.
With both investiture ceremonies, Welsh nationalist sentiment threatened to derail proceedings. It was especially vociferous the second time around. Many protestors objected to the investiture due to the future king’s perceived lack of Welsh connections. Nonetheless, Charles delivered a speech in Welsh at the event, having learned the language in preparation.
Caernarfon Castle’s position in modern-day Wales
Today, Caernarfon Castle is hailed as a gem of historical architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is managed by the Welsh Government’s historic environment service Cadw.
For visitors, the castle is noteworthy for its uniqueness. Due to the lie of the land, Caernarfon diverts from the orthodox approach to castle design of the time. There has even been speculation that Caernarfon Castle was purposefully intended to emulate imperial Roman architecture. It’s no wonder that it continues to inspire the modern public’s awe.
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