Dolforwyn Castle was constructed in 1273 by Llewelyn ap Gruffudd . The prince needed to consolidate his hold on southern Powys to demonstrate his authority over the untrustworthy Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, and check the growing strength of the Marcher Lord Roger Mortimer.

One of the lesser known castles built by native Welsh Prince, Llewelyn ap Gruffudd.

The first of King Edward I’s castles to be built in Wales! It is the first structure of his formidable Ring of Iron. Flint Castle was strategically placed at the Eastern doorway into North Wales with access to supplies from the sea. It was constructed by Edward I’s infamous mason, James of St George who constructed many of Edward I’s castles.

Did you know Caerleon has a castle? Nestled in the charming town of Caerleon, South Wales, Caerleon Castle stands as a remarkable testament to the country's rich history. Caerleon has a very long history and boasts the UK’s most intact amphitheatre! (but that’s for another blog post…)

A lovely, privately owned castle, in it’s hay day back in 1102, the Doomsday Book notes that Clifford Castle belonged to Ralph Tosny and there was a small settlement here complising of 16 houses. A deer park and a Cluniac Priory were founded here, although Clifford never expanded past its village size due to the urban competition from near by Hay-on-Wye.

Cardigan Castle was constructed by Norman invaders at the end of the 11th century, establishing it as a significant fortification in Wales. It was captured by the infamous ruler, Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd in 1171.

Rhuddlan Castle was the first of the revolutionary concentric, or ‘walls within walls’, castles designed by master architect James of St George.

Castell Dinas is one of my favourite castles. Despite the fact there really isn’t much masonry to see, the hill that the castle sits upon is so recognisable as an ancient celtic hillfort.

This is another of the ‘Three Castles’, it was built by Normans who named it ‘Gros Mont’, meaning ‘Big Hill’. The original timber castle was rebuilt in stone by Hubert De Burgh after he was made custodian of the Welsh Marches in 1201.

This castle originated as a Norman wooden ringwork. This formidable stronghold was constant attack by the Welsh and was captured many times, including by the Gruffydd ap Rhys.

This castle was built in 1093 by Roger of Montgomery and it is one of the few castles that was never captured by the Welsh.

Like many other Castles, this was built on a prehistoric and roman settlement. Apparently a cache of Roman coins have been found on the site, as well as four sets pre-historic human remains.

The last castle to be built by a Welsh prince, Caergwrle Castle was built in 1278 - 82 by Dafydd ap Gruffydd, brother of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd.

Some evidence suggests that the castle was possibly constructed over an earlier Roman Fort. The early castle was a ‘motte and bailey castle, the most common form of Norman fortification, probably built by Phillip de Breos in about 1100.

Entering the castle from the carpark you walk up some steps that lead into the castle ground. The first thing to strike you is the round tower that sits in the centre.

Walk along the top of the town walls of Conwy Castle and take a stroll around the most intact medieval royal apartments in Wales!

The largest and most impressive of the Three Castles. Visit White Castle and see for yourself the impressive moat and gate house with its textbook medieval architecture.

Located in Marches territory, this castle was originally built in the late 12th Century, when it would have started as a wooden keep built on a bailey put in place by Norman Robert Fitz Pons.

In the 12th century the original wooden keep was rebuilt in stone and mortar and it never again fell to the Welsh, despite many attempts by Llewellyn up Gruffydd and Owain Glyndwr.

Beaumaris Castle is one of 10 castles that make up the Ring of Iron. A chain of fortifications built by Edward the 1st to try to control the Welsh kings of Gwynedd and following the conquest of Wales, to try to quell any threat of uprising.