A – Z OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
H is for Harlech Castle
Today we are in Wales visiting
Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle is a concentric castle and was built using the natural
defences of the high cliff and rocky ground.
James of St. George, a master mason, was entrusted to build the castle
by Edward I in 1283 as part of his efforts to subdue the Welsh of Gwynedd. Two sheer cliff faces on the North and West
afforded a natural barrier to attack; the other two sides of the castle had dry
moats cut into the solid rock.
The castle sits on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the
Cardigan Bay and the Irish Sea. When the castle was built, water lapped almost
to the edge of the rock, over the past seven centuries the seaward side of the
approach to Harlech has gradually silted up, creating an area of low dunes
where once the water flowed.
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The massive gatehouse had living
quarters built in to it by Master James for people of high rank. So the
gatehouse served not only as a deterrent to attack but also as comfortable
living quarters. There was a spacious
chamber for the castle constable, looking out over the inner ward. Master James
himself was appointed constable in 1290.
Harlech Castle was very expensive
to build costing King Edward 1’s treasury at least £8000. Over 950 men were
involved in the construction process, including 546 labourers and 227 masons.
UNESCO considers Harlech to be one
of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century
military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage
Site.
Elsie sat on a stool in the small
kitchen
She heard Marjorie talking to her
cousin
The Joe was flirting quite
outrageously
At his age too he should know the
boundary
The door of the tea room tinkled as
it opened
She pulled on her apron making sure
it was fastened
She greeted the tourists, who
shivered with cold
They’d climbed the castle’s ramparts,
felt the bricks that were old
She never tired of hearing the awe in
their voices
As they spoke of King Edward and his
coastal defences
They looked at their postcards of the
spectacular scenery
She smiled at them as she served
cream scones, tea and coffee.
OMG Sally, The first thing i thought when I saw the picture wasthat castle is breathtaking. Then the next thing I thought was I wouldn't want to have to clean it :)
ReplyDeleteWales is a stunning place for castles.
ReplyDeleteI want to go to Wales now! What a lovely mix of history and poetry. The castle description shows such a sense of place. All those facts about the castle contrast neatly with the impressions of an afternoon at a tea shop.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome castle! And thanks for the mini history lesson.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem! And the castle is stunning, especially that first photo of it on the hill...
ReplyDeleteHmmm cream scones, can't beat them! ;-)
I can't even imagine the labor involved in building something that size, without the tools and equipment we have today. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI've only been to one castle before. Hearst castle. One of these days I'll make a visit to a much older one. :)
ReplyDelete