Harlech - World Heritage Site - Castle Capital of the World
Harlech means fair or beautiful rock.
This
UNESCO listed world heritage site 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.
There are more castles per square mile in Wales than any other country in the world. Since this was the castle where Owain Glyndwr once held court and presided over the Welsh nation, Harlech justly has the right to call itself Castle Capital of the World.
The castle was built at the order of Edward I (Longshanks) after besieging Gwynedd. It took 7 years to build between 1283 -1290. While under the command of
Dafydd ap Ieuan (one of Abraham Lincoln's forefathers) the castle itself was subjected to a siege of 7 years from 1461 (War of the Roses), the longest recorded seige in British history. It was also the last Royalist stronghold to fall, marking the end of the Civil War in 1647.
The site of the castle has actually been a fortified position since ancient times and to demonstrate this point, a trip just 2 or 3 miles North East into the hills, will bring you to the magnificent Bronze Age stone coronet circle of 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 remarkable place in a truly magnificent position and justifies its position as a popular tourist destination !
***
