Historical Society

Wales is rightfully known as a land of castles. But there is more to this heritage than the castles built by Edward I at the end of the 13th century.

As the well-known archaeologist and broadcaster Rhys Mwyn pointed out in his recent lecture, Welsh princes had been building their own castles for over a century before then.

The first serious Welsh castle-building was undertaken by Owain Gwynedd in the early 12th century copying the original Norman motte-and-bailey design. Their construction probably had more to do with power and influence than defence, although there were regular conflicts over land between the rulers of Gwynedd, Powys and Deheubarth.

Castles gave status to the princes of Wales. For example, Llywelyn Fawr, who embarked on his own building programme in 1221, married the daughter of King John and all his daughters were married to Marcher Lords, whilst Llywelyn ap Gruffudd married Simon de Montfort’s daughter. These marriages of convenience were designed to maintain stability and cultivate alliances.

The key distinguishing feature of the castles of the Welsh princes are their “D” shaped towers which are particularly evident locally at Criccieth, Castell y Bere, Dolwyddelan and Carndochan, the latter being one of the many strategically placed castles guarding the main route along the Dee Valley into Wales. Some of the original Welsh castles were occupied for a time by the English and modified along the way. Such was the case with Castell y Bere, Dolwyddelan and Dolbadarn all built by Llywelyn Fawr and modified by Edward 1st, whilst Beaumaris, built by Edward, copied the concentric design of Madog Llywelyn’s castles. Some Welsh castles were destroyed by the Welsh themselves to avoid their occupation and use by the English forces. Such was the fate of Criccieth castle, slighted by Owain Glyndwr in 1404.

Rhys Mwyn ended his talk by describing the recent excavation of Carndochan castle near Llanuwchlyn which revealed that two different types of mortar were used, suggesting that two Welsh princes may have been involved in its construction. The poor quality of materials and workmanship probably led to its eventual collapse. This in turn has presented a dilemma for the archaeologists in making the site accessible to visitors without exposing the remaining original features to the elements or materially altering the original structure.

In warmly thanking Rhys on behalf of the Society for an informative and illuminating presentation, Sian Roberts commented “Thanks to archaeology, History goes on”.

Choir

The Russian Choir, Resurrection, from St Petersburg, will make a welcome return to St Tanwg’s Church, on Saturday, 31 October. Cost is £10 on the door. Refreshments and Russian crafts will be available.

The concert will feature the special sound from the choir’s Basso Profundo. It begins at 7.30pm

Show

Harlech Horticultural Show will be held on Saturday, 31 October at 2pm. There will be exhibits of vegetables, flowers, floral art, cookery, handicraft, wine and photography.