Although it stands in ruins today, Caergwrle Castle has close associations with key events in Welsh medieval history. The legendary conflict between the Welsh Princes and King Edward I of England is inextricably linked to the castle. This largely overlooked story is rather like an episode of Game of Thrones on Welsh soil. Particular thanks go to Michael Roberts for the illustrations.
Between 1275 and 1276, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales, refused to pay homage to and obey the new English ruler, King Edward I. In response to this defiance, Edward’s forces attacked Wales.
English troops surrounded Llywelyn in the mountains of Snowdonia. They then stripped him of most of his lands, although they did allow him to retain the title of Prince of Wales.
Llywelyn’s brother and rival, Dafydd, had hoped to gain from Llywelyn’s defeat and fought on the English side. His prize included the Lordship of Hope and between 1277 and 1278, Dafydd built his castle at Caergwrle. In an ironic twist of fate, Edward provided some funds to assist with the construction costs even though the castle had been born out of princely rivalry and conflict with England.
In 1282 Dafydd changed sides and decided to attack the English. His men blocked the well and did their best to knock down Caergwrle Castle to make it difficult for the English to use it as a base against the Welsh.
On Palm Sunday, 1282, Dafydd attacked and captured the English-held castle at Hawarden. The Welsh rose up against the English and Llywelyn joined in.
Edward I’s English troops invaded Wales for a second time and this time, they finally killed Llywelyn at Builth Wells. They sent his head to Edward I at Rhuddlan Castle and later put it on display at the Tower of London.
English forces captured Dafydd and took him to Shrewsbury where they hanged, drew and quartered him. He was the first person in British history to receive this penalty for the crime of High Treason.
An English workforce rebuilt Caergwrle Castle. Accounts show that they employed 340 carpenters, 600 diggers and 25 masons.
During this period, the invading authorities paid one shilling for each of 27 Welshmen’s heads taken to the Castle.
In the course of the conflict, Edward I brought the rest of Wales under English control, ending Welsh independence. Caergwrle Castle had played a pivotal role in events during this period.
On 14th February 1283, Edward gave Caergwrle Castle to his consort, Queen Eleanor. An accidental fire damaged the Castle on 27th August 1283, however.
The heyday of Caergwrle Castle was over. The story of the Castle is intrinsically linked with the story of Wales itself during one of the most crucial periods in its history.
This article about the history of Caergwrle Castle was kindly provided by Dave Healey, County Councillor, Caergwrle Ward
