Castell Dinas Emrys
Overview
A ruined tower set within an enclosure dating back to prehistoric times
and wrapped in Arthurian legend. Defending the slopes of
Snowdon the fortress tops a small hill overlooking the fast flowing
Afon Gwynant.
History
The booklet on this castle includes a discussion of the early Norman
invasions of North
Wales during the reign of William the Conqueror and the campaigns of
Gruffydd ap Cynan (d.1137) which led to the eventual liberation of
Gwynedd in the reign of King
Henry I. From this a conclusion
is reached that the castle may have been the work of either Robert
Rhuddlan (d.1093) or Earl Hugh of Chester (d.1101) in the late eleventh
century rather than a later Welsh foundation. The castle and its siting
is also mentioned in Harlech
Castle and its True Origins.
Genealogy
The families of Rhuddlan, the earls of Chester and Gruffydd ap Cynan
are discussed.
Archaeology
The castle remains are examined in detail and the results of the two
excavations which occurred on the site last century are
analysed. Also examined are some of the prehistoric defences
which included a long causeway entrance. The shattered ruins
of the keep (36'x27'), a ditch, a natural mound, a curtain wall and
tower seem to
make up the main Medieval defences. Other rectangular
tower keeps under 40' exist in Wales at Carndochan
(35' square), Dolwyddelan I
(25' square), Usk (35' square) and White
castle (35' square): and in England at Bridgnorth
(39'x35'), Clithero (35' square), Clun (30' square), Farnham (37'
square), Goodrich
(29' square), Hyssington (27' square), Moreton Corbet
(38'x33'), Peveril (21'x19') and Wattlesborough
(30' square).
Available for £4.95 through
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Why
not join me here and at other Lost Welsh Castles next Spring?
Please see the information on tours at Scholarly
Sojourns.
Copyright©2010
Paul Martin Remfry