Why does Wales have so many castles?
Wales is home to one of the highest concentrations of castles in the world, a legacy of its turbulent and brutal past. Centuries of conflict, particularly with England, led to an intense wave of castle-building, especially during the Norman invasion and the campaigns of King Edward I in the 13th century. These castles were constructed to assert military dominance, control rebellious regions, and defend key routes through the rugged terrain.
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Much of the castle building began after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. As the Normans pushed into Welsh territory, they constructed motte-and-bailey castles to secure their hold and defend against local resistance. These early structures were followed by more formidable stone fortresses as the conflict deepened.
However, the most intensive wave of castle construction came during the reign of King Edward I in the 13th century. Determined to conquer Wales, he launched a campaign of military expansion and built an imposing ring of stone castles, including Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, and Beaumaris, to cement English dominance. These castles, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were designed not only for defense but to symbolise power and authority.
The mountainous landscape of Wales offered natural strongholds, making it an ideal location for defensive fortifications. Many castles were strategically perched on hilltops, cliffs, or overlooking river crossings to maximise their military advantage. Today, over 600 castle sites dot the Welsh landscape, standing as dramatic reminders of the nation’s brutal and resilient history.
5 of the best castles to visit in Wales
Wales is famous for its spectacular castles, which tell the story of its brutal medieval past, with Beaumaris, Caernarfon, and Conwy castles all UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites. Other must-see castles include the mighty fortress of Caerphilly, the dramatic seaside stronghold of Harlech, the fairytale-like Castell Coch, and the grand, partially ruined Raglan Castle.
Cardiff Castle
Cardiff Castle has a history spanning nearly 2,000 years. Located in the heart of the capital city, the site has evolved from a Roman fort into a lavish Victorian Gothic mansion.
The castle’s origins date back to the 1st century AD, when the Romans built a fort to secure their hold over newly conquered Britain. Remnants of Roman walls can still be seen today. In the 11th century, following the Norman invasion, a motte-and-bailey castle was constructed on the site. Over time, this was rebuilt in stone and expanded during the medieval period, serving as a stronghold in numerous conflicts.
Chepstow Castle
Perched above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle is one of the oldest surviving stone castles in Britain. Construction began in 1067, just a year after the Norman Conquest, under the command of William FitzOsbern, a close ally of William the Conqueror.
Unlike many early Norman castles built in timber, Chepstow was constructed in stone from the outset, signaling its importance as a defensive stronghold and symbol of Norman authority on the Welsh border.
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is the largest and most formidable of the ring of fortresses built by King Edward I during his conquest of North Wales. Construction began in early 1283, just months after the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last native Prince of Wales, in December 1282.
Designed as both a military stronghold and a symbol of English dominance, the castle—along with its fortified town walls—was a key part of Edward's strategy to secure his hold over the newly conquered territory. Its impressive scale and distinctive polygonal towers reflect both its defensive purpose and its intended role as a seat of royal power.
Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle was built between 1283 and 1287 by King Edward I as part of his campaign to conquer and control North Wales. Designed by the famed military architect Master James of St. George, the castle formed a crucial link in Edward’s iron ring of fortresses. With its eight massive towers and dramatic coastal setting, Conwy was both a formidable military stronghold and a powerful symbol of English authority.
Edward also constructed a walled town beside the castle, which he populated with English settlers and merchants. The native Welsh were forcibly excluded from living within the town walls – a policy intended to suppress rebellion and assert dominance
Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest castles in Britain and the second largest in the UK after Windsor. Built between 1268 and 1271 by Gilbert de Clare, a powerful Norman lord, the castle was designed to strengthen his claim to the land and to defend against Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd.
Caerphilly was revolutionary for its time, featuring concentric walls (walls within walls) and an extensive moat and artificial lakes for defense—some of the earliest and most advanced water defenses in Europe. Its design greatly influenced later castles, including those built by Edward I in North Wales.
