Harlech means fair or beautiful rock.
It sits prominently on the coastline of Snowdonia, overlooking the magnificent 4 mile sandy beach,
Royal St Davids Golf Course. and the National Nature Reserve of
Morfa Harlech.
The castle, which sits high on a hill, was built at the order of Edward I (Longshanks) after besieging Gwynedd. It took 7 years to build between 1283 -1290.The castle itself was subject to a siege of 7 years from 1461 during the War of the Roses.It was also the last Royalist stronghold to fall, marking the end of the Civil War in 1647.
Further into the hills, to the North East, lies a magnificent Bronze Age stone circle Bryn Cader Faner.
For a walk around the town, the golf course and along the beach for the stunningly dramatic scenery or a visit to nearby Portmeirion Italianate Village - see the
video clips.
Today Harlech is a popular tourist destination despite the economic uncertainties of 2010 !
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