Sights in Harlech
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Harlech Castle
Edward I finished this intimidating building in 1289, the southernmost of his 'iron ring' of fortresses designed to keep the Welsh firmly beneath his boot. Despite its might, the storybook fortress has been called the 'Castle of Lost Causes' because it has been lucklessly defended so many times. Owain Glyndŵr captured it after a long siege in 1404. He was in turn besieged here by the future Henry V.
During the Wars of the Roses the castle is said to have held out against a siege for seven years and was the last Lancastrian stronghold to fall. The siege inspired the popular Welsh hymn Men of Harlech, which is still played today in regimental marches and sung with patriotic…
reviewed
