Dolwyddelan Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dolwyddelan Castle |
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| Castell Dolwyddelan | |
| Part of Conwy County Borough | |
| Dolwyddelan, North Wales | |
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 Dolwyddelan Castle
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| Coordinates | 53°03′11″N 3°54′29″W / 53.05293°N 3.90809°W |
| Type | Enclosure castle |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Cadw |
| Condition | Partially ruinous |
| Site history | |
| Built | Early 13th Century |
| Built by | Llywelyn the Great |
| In use | Open to public |
| Materials | Siltstone |
| Events | Welsh Wars Prince Madoc's Rebellion |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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Dolwyddelan Castle (Welsh: Castell Dolwyddelan) is an old Welsh castle found near Dolwyddelan in Conwy County Borough, North Wales. People believe Llywelyn the Great, a powerful Welsh prince, built it in the early 1200s.
The castle first had just one tower with two floors. Later, in the late 1200s, a second tower was added. A third floor was built onto the first tower in the late 1400s during some repairs.
Contents
Building a Castle: Dolwyddelan's Story
This castle was built using local rock like grit and slate. It was one of the strongholds in the Snowdonia mountains for the princes of Gwynedd. These princes ruled a large part of Wales.
Original Design: The First Tower
We don't know the exact date the castle was built. But historians think the first part, a single rectangular tower, was finished in the early 1200s. This tower had two floors. The first floor likely held a main room with a fireplace. A secret trapdoor led down to the basement. The main entrance to the tower was probably covered by a small porch.
Adding More: Edward I's Changes
In 1283–84, Edward I of England added a second two-storey tower. This was after his forces captured the castle. He also built an irregular wall connecting the two towers, creating a courtyard in the middle. More work was done on the castle between 1290 and 1292. The new second tower had a fireplace on its top floor. You could reach it by climbing internal stairs.
Later Updates: Raising the Keep
In the late 1400s, a third floor was added to the main tower, also known as the keep. This made the keep about 40 feet (12 m) tall. The castle was also greatly repaired between 1848 and 1850 by Baron Willoughby de Eresby. During these repairs, the decorative tops of the walls, called battlements, were added.
Dolwyddelan Castle: A Look at Its Past
This Welsh castle, built in the early 1200s, was an important guard post. It protected a main route through North Wales. Many believed it was the birthplace of Llywelyn the Great. However, it's now thought he was born at Tomen Castell, a small tower nearby. It is more likely that Llywelyn himself built Dolwyddelan Castle.
Capture by Edward I
On January 18, 1283, Edward I of England's army captured the castle. This happened during the final part of his conquest of Wales. Some historians think that the castle's defenders might have made a deal with Edward I to surrender.
After its capture, the English made changes to the castle. They made it stronger for an English army to live there. Records show repairs to carpentry, the bridge, and even a water mill until at least 1286. English soldiers stayed at the castle until 1290.
Later Ownership and Restoration
In the 1400s, a local lord named Maredudd ap Ieuan took over the castle in 1488. He added the upper floor and a drainage system to the main tower. In the 1800s, Lord Willoughby de Eresby restored and partly changed the castle. He was the one who added the battlements. Around 1810, it was reported that one of the towers might have fallen down.
Modern Protection
In 1930, the castle was put under the care of the Ministry of Works. Today, Cadw protects Dolwyddelan Castle. Cadw is a part of the Welsh Assembly's team that looks after historic places.
Dolwyddelan in Movies
In 1980, Dolwyddelan Castle was used as a filming location. All the outdoor scenes for Ulrich's castle in the movie Dragonslayer were filmed here.
