King Edward employed the most brilliant architect and builder of the Medieval era to help with his ambitious projects - Master James of St. George. Another architect figures in references to the ' three Castles ' - his name was Ralph of Grosmont and he probably worked for Edward's father. King Henry III.
King Edward I strategy of building Welsh Castles
King Edward I decided on a strategy of building elaborate fortresses and Castles in Wales in order to crush and intimidate the Welsh population - History of King Edward I & the Welsh Medieval Castles. His Welsh castle building strategy started in 1278, following the first Welsh rebellion. In 1278 Edward commissioned the building of four major Castles in Wales - Flint, Rhuddlan, Builth and Aberystwyth. More Welsh Castles were built following the second rebellion of 1282 and the building of Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech and Beaumaris Castles were also commissioned in Wales. Not only did King Edward I build the Welsh Castles he also integrated new townships at the same time. These fortified townships Welsh Medieval Fortified Townships were based on the Burghs, or Burhs, of King Alfred the Great and the Bastides of Gascony. King Edward I was able to keep his tight reign over Wales due to his massive power bases provided by his Welsh Medieval Castles and his purpose-built Welsh Fortified Townships.
Welsh Concentric Castles
The Design and development of the Welsh Concentric Castles played a major role in the history of Welsh Medieval Castle Building. The design and building of Welsh Concentric Castles encompassed some, or all, of the following elements:
- A Stronger central Keep or Main Tower featured in Welsh Medieval Castle Building and a round or circular shaped Keep was introduced
- A High wall, complete with towers surrounded the Keep and the Inner Bailey in Welsh Castles
- At least one lower, outer wall surrounded the Inner High Wall
- Several Outer Walls and Outer Baileys were often added in the process of building Welsh Castles
- Several Gatehouses were featured
- Moats were often added which surrounded the whole Concentric Castle complex
The plans to build Welsh Castles were mammoth! The Welsh Medieval Concentric Castles were much bigger than the Norman Castles! The Welsh Castle Building programme introduced thicker, stronger and higher walls interspersed with towers and turrets! The Inner Walls were higher than Outer walls! Drawbridges were added! The Medieval interiors were far more comfortable! The Welsh Concentric Castles were very expensive! Caernarvon Castle cost King Edward I £27,000 - to build this massive Concentric castle today would cost around £40,000,000! The key facts about the Welsh Medieval Castle Building of Concentric Castles are as follows:
- The Welsh Medieval Castles was Expensive!
- Welsh Castles featured heavy defences
- Round or Polygonal shaped Keeps or Towers were introduced
- Walls were built at different heights and levels
- The Various forms of defence such as the Barbican, Portcullis, Gatehouse, Moat, Crenellations, Murder Holes etc were added to Welsh Castles