Rhuddlan castle was one of the first of Edward I's castles to be built in north Wales, at the same time as that of Flint. There was actually a pre-existing Norman motte-and-bailey castle close by, erected in 1073, now called the Twthill, but the new design was both much larger and more advanced.
Begun in 1277 and completed in 1282, it was erected during the first of Edward's campaigns in North Wales. It follows the familiar design of a strongly fortified inner ward and further concentric walls forming an outer ward, protected by a moat, in this case walled in stone. The inner ward has an unusual 'diamond' plan with huge double-tower gates at the East and West corners and single towers at the North and South.
A key feature of his campaign was seaborne support, and the castle was built adjacent to the River Clwyd and close to the sea. Edward had the River Clwyd straightened to enable the castle to be provisioned by ship if the overland routes were disrupted, and a defended water-gate and dock are still well preserved.
Rhuddlan was the venue for the signing of the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284, which was the governing document for North Wales, introducing English Common Law into the Principality. It was superseded only in 1536 when Henry VIII introduced the Acts harmonising the law fully in England and Wales.
The castle was attacked by the Welsh in 1294 and again in 1400 by Owain Glyndwr's forces, but held out (the town unfortunately being burned). The castle was defended by Royalist troops in the Civil War, but taken by the Parliamentary Forces in 1646. Like many castles, it was partly demolished in 1648 by Cromwell's forces to prevent its future use.
It is now in the care of Cadw. Although much smaller than the later Edwardian Castles like Conwy and Caernarfon, it is still well worth a visit. There is a large car park, toilet facilities and a small gift shop. There is partial level access around the site for wheelchair users, albeit on grass or gravel paths. A walkway on the upper walls affords fine views of the surrounding countryside. read more