King Edward I of England mounted numerous campaigns against the Welsh, spending 150,000 pounds on the war of 1282-3 alone. This final campaign resulted in the conquest of Wales, a subjugation of the Welsh people assisted by the death in battle of their Prince, Llywelyn, in December 1282. Conwy Castle was started in 1283 and finished five years later, as part of a multi-castle construction project undertaken by Edward in Northern Wales. Conwy came under seige during the Welsh uprising of 1294 with King Edward trapped inside, but the castle held strong. The town of Conwy grew up within the protection of extended castle walls that embrace the settlement. Today, visitors can walk through much of the refurbished castle and along the top of the town wall.

Click on a photograph to view an enlargement. Follow the Guide Dogs below for more Castles.