To get to Conwy Castle, simply drive your BMW through one of the gates in the castle walls. As was the traditional way of traveling to the Castle in 1283 when it was first built.From there, leave your car in ye old car park just like in the ancient times. The more traditional entrance would have been across this bridge. The highway on the left was added later, obviously. And on the right is a bridge for a train. And also unlike ancient times, they will let just about anyone walk through the front door, as long as you pay, without shooting arrows or pouring boiling oil over you. Conwy Castle was built by King Edward the first between 1283 to 1289. The castle was built as a symbol of English rule over the Welsh people. To really rub it in, the castle was built right on top of the final resting place of the Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap Lorwerth. Although the wood floors are long gone, you can still see where the fire places would have once been. This UNESCO World Heritage site is said to be one of the best examples of 13th century military architecture. It is also one of the most complete examples of a med-evil castle left standing in the UK.
The spiral staircases have been restored so you explore the top floors of the castle.
There are 8 defensive towers in the castle to keep intruders out. The Welsh attacked the castle on many occasions, twice successfully. I decide this tower is higher than the other 7. It is estimated to have cost 15,000 GBP to build the castle in 1283. However it was sold in 1627 for only 100 GBP. It would seem castles are not a great investment. And if that financial loss wasn’t enough, it now costs 50,000 GBP each year to maintain this site. A view of the town below the castle. If you look closely, there is a wall surrounding the town that protected it from intruders. I’m told today you can walk around the entire town on the wall. Sadly, we had to leave before getting that opportunity. Guess I’ll have to come back sometime.
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