Establishment of Harlech Castle

Establishment of Harlech Castle

In 1283, Otto de Grandison marched to Harlech from Castell de Bere with 500 foot soldiers when building of the castle began almost immediately, completing 1289 - 90. The architect in charge was James of St George, brought from Savoy by Edward I.

People who worked on the construction of the castle included William of Drogheda - a master mason from Ireland known to have built the towers of the inner gatehouse.
Madoc brought lime - for the kings' works on the castle believed to own 12 pack animals. Jerome of Bradford supplied nails and an effigy for the chapel.

In 1295 at the time of the Madoc uprising, Robert de Staunton was constable. Harlech Castle and Criccieth Castle were cut off, a ship was sent from Ireland to relieve the siege during winter and again on 3rd, 6th and 11th April 1296.
John de Havering Castillian of Caernarfon Castle eventually relieved the siege landward. He later became castillian of Beaumaris Castle.

Owain Glyndwr

The castles of Criccieth, Harlech and Aberystwyth formed part of the seaward defences. These castles fell to Owain in 1404, Harlech Castle became Owain's residence and headquarters.
Owain held two parliaments in Wales, in 1404 a parliament of 4 men from each commote in Machynlleth drawing up a mutual recognition of treaties with France and Spain. He was also crowned 'King of Free Wales'.  A year later he held a parliament in Harlech making plans to carve up England into 3  as part of an alliance against the English King.
Mortimer who was married to his daughter would have the South and West of England, Thomas Percy Earl of Northumbria would have the Midlands and the North with Glyndwr himself having Wales  -  fortunately or unfortunately this never took place.

 

During the Wars of the Roses, Harlech was held for the Lancastrians until taken by Lord Herbert of Raglan for the Yorkists.  It was this prolonged siege which traditionally gave rise to the anthem 'Men of Harlech'

In the 1800's the Castle, now in ruins, the gatehouse was still used as lodgings for the Circuit Judges.