History of Conwy Castle
Life began in the town that was to become Conwy long before Conwy Castle stood here. Welsh settlers recognised the region as naturally strong because of the large estuary and the abundance of food and the remains of an early fortification can still be found at Deganwy on the opposite bank of the river.
The Maenan Monks
Some of the earliest permanent settlers in what was to become Conwy were the Maenan Monks who built an abbey within what is now the town. Parts of this abbey still remain today in the church in the centre of the town.
The English Invasion
During the late 13th century Edward I of England sought control over the whole of what today is the United Kingdom. In north Wales the local population resisted his forces in battle along the coast and throughout the Snowdonia mountains. Heavily outnumbered and under equipped the Welsh forces were pushed backwards in the very heart of Snowdonia and into terrain that was difficult for the English to safely pursue.
With the Welsh resistance in the mountains still strong Edward I decided that an 'iron ring' of castles would be built to quell the Welsh uprisings. One of these is Conwy Castle with the others bring Ruthin Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Beaumaris Castle, and Harlech Castle.
Each castle was designed by James of St. George, a master architect of the time and renowned builder of castles. Standing at what is today Deganwy the English decided that the natural outcropping of rock on the opposite bank was the ideal location for the castle.
In 1283 the monks who inhabited the area were relocated down the valley to what is now called Maenan Abbey and the construction of Conwy Castle and walled town was begun. The castle and town walls took a number of years to complete however once finished an undeniable symbol of the English dominance stood at the mouth of the river.
The English moved English settlers into the town and for a long time the Welsh natives where banned from entering the walled town.
