Photograph © GJT2004

Rhuddlan CastleRhuddlan Castle

Image © CADW. Crown Copyright.

Rhuddlan Castle was built under the order

of the English King, Edward I - known as

Long-Shanks.Why do you think that this English King was known by

this name?

Rhuddlan CastleRhuddlan CastleFact FileFact File

Building started in 1277 and was finished in 1282Building started in 1277 and was finished in 1282

The cost of the building was £9, 613 2 sThe cost of the building was £9, 613 2 s

The architect The architect (person who designed and oversaw the work)(person who designed and oversaw the work) was James of St Georgewas James of St George

I am a knight who once

lived in Rhuddlan Castle.

Let me take you on a

brief tour of the castle

that I helped to defend.

Rhuddlan CastleRhuddlan CastleThe River Clwyd had to be canalised in order to allow goods to be shipped. It took 3 years and cost £755. The bridge was a swing bridge that allowed ships to

pass

Photograph © GJT 2004

Photograph © GJT2004

Gillot’s TowerThe ships would dock at

this point. The goods

would be carried from

person to person, up the

slope, and into the

castle.

Photograph © GJT2004

Year 7 pupils showing how it was done in the Middle Ages. Goods had to be passed from person to person. Great care had to be taken not to drop and break the

goods.

Photograph © GJT2004

The bridge to the Friary. Bees were kept in the Friary to

produce honey for Edward I’s wife, Eleanor.

Bees also produced wax that would be used to produce

candles.

Gatehouses were well defended areas of a Castle. The

gatehouses had four storeys.Photograph © GJT2004

The Gatehouse was well defended. Look closely at the picture opposite and you can see evidence of the gatehouse’s

defences.

One of the arrow loop windows

An indentation in the wall where the Portcullis used to be

Photograph © GJT2004

The Well. The source of

fresh water for the castle.

The Inner ward would contain apartments. They are no longer standing because they were made out of

wood, but there is still evidence that they existed.

Photograph © GJT2004

The dry moat at Rhuddlan castle.

The moat was dry because the castle was built above sea level, thus water could not be directed towards it.

Photograph © GJT2004

The castle today bares the scars of battle. During the

English Civil War, the Parliamentarians attacked the

castle so it could not be used by the King’s supporters.

The English Civil War did not take place during the Middle

Ages, but between 1642-49. Photograph © GJT2004

One of Rhuddlan’s Gatehouses.Photograph © GTJ2004

Rhuddlan CastleRhuddlan Castle

Town Gate

Moat

MoatRiver Gate

Gillot’s Tower

Outer Ward

Inner Ward

Well

East Gatehouse Friary Gate

© Cadw. Crown Copyright.

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