Photo credit: Cadw 2021 calendar
Located near Dolwyddelan in Conwy, north Wales, Dolwyddelan Castle has been part of the landscape of north Wales for centuries. It was built during the 13th century by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, also known as Llywelyn Fawr (Llywelyn the Great), who was the ruler of Gwynedd and Wales.
During the 13th century Wales was not a unified country, it was dependent on the strength of individual rulers to keep the peace. Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, through combining war and diplomacy was seen as the ruler of all of Wales for around 45 years. Llywelyn's reason for building the castle some time around 1210 must have been significant due to its cost. Wales was not as rich a country as neighbouring England for example. One reason is likely because of its position in the mountains which allowed for it to guard key passage routes through the mountains in north Wales. But it has also been suggested that its construction was partly symbolic of Llywelyn's presence and power, thus reinforcing to both the English and the Welsh that he was the ruler of this area.
Dolwyddelan Castle was one of a number of fortresses built to command the mountain passes in north Wales. Over the centuries the castle went under construction initially going from a one tower with two floors to having a second tower added in the late 13th century. The late 15th century saw the addition of a third floor to the main keep and the 19th century saw 'restoration' work.
Llywelyn ap Iorwerth died in 1240 which also signified the end of his incredible reign as ruler. His son, Dafydd ap Llywelyn was his successor but only ruled for 6 years. Dafydd was succeeded by his nephew, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd who was Prince of Wales from 1246 until his death in 1282.
During the reign of Llywelyn's grandson, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the castle was conquered by the English king, Edward I. This was a significant accomplishment for the English king in his campaign to defeat the Welsh and occurred during the latter stage of the conquest in the 13th century.
From 1283 when the castle had been captured by Edward, he set about making adjustments such as camouflaging the garrison with white tunics which would disguise the castle during the winter months. He also built a new tower and raised the height of the keep, as well as installing a siege engine.
The 15th century saw the addition of the upper storey and drainage system to the keep. This was undertaken by the local lord Maeredudd ap Ifan who acquired the lease for the castle around 1488. Maeredudd has connections with a couple of other castles in north Wales.
As with many other castles and significant structures of its age, Dolwyddelan Castle in the early 19th century was a romantic ruin. The 19th century also saw 'restoration' work of the keep by Lord Willoughby de Eresby, who also added the battlements. The work conducted by Willoughby can be clearly seen where it meets the original structure built by Llywelyn ap Iorweth.
The 1930s saw the castle placed in the care of the Ministry of Works. The castle is currently owned by Cadw and is in a partially ruined state as a Grade I listed building. Dolwyddelan Castle in the 1980s was the location used during the making of the film Dragonslayer for outdoor shots of Ulrich's castle.
Have you visited? I definitely will be when I can!
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