Harlech is an ancient town on the west coast of Wales with a population of less than 2,000 people, most of whom speak Welsh. The town is famous above all for its castle. The first documented mention of Harlech is found is in connection with the construction of a castle.
Harlech Castle was built by King Edward I and along with the castles of Carnarvon, Conwy, Beaumaris and ten others, it was part of the "iron ring" that was to girdle Wales and consolidate royal power. All these castles were built under under the same architect, a military engineer, Master James from St George. Construction at Harlech lasted seven years and on its completion. Master James was appointed commandant of the castle, a position he held for more than three years. Like most of these castles, Harlech was built on the the coast so that in the event of a siege from the land, supplies could be maintained by sea. But over the over the past hundred years, the coastline has changed and the castle now stands about 800 metres from the sea.
The castle is built on a concentric plan. The outer walls are lower and thinner than the massive inner walls. The inner courtyard is a quadrilateral quadrangle with round towers at the corners. The rocks surrounding the castle make an attack on the castle possible only from the eastern side, so there is a well-fortified gate in the eastern wall. It is guarded by two imposing semicircular towers, several doors, lowering bars, loopholes, etc.
The castle has been besieged many times in its history. The most recent fighting here was during the Civil War, when Royalist troops entrenched in the castle, fought off attacks by Parliamentary troops.
Harlech is mentioned in many Celtic legends and tales, notably in the the legend of Branwen.
