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Quiz about Medieval Castles of Wales
Quiz about Medieval Castles of Wales

Medieval Castles of Wales Trivia Quiz


Wales is a small country, with a high proportion of castles. What do you know about the Great Castles of Wales?

A multiple-choice quiz by Elanor. Estimated time: 5 mins.
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Author
Elanor
Time
5 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
75,534
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Tough
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
1549
Awards
Top 10% Quiz
Last 3 plays: jonnowales (8/10), Guest 86 (8/10), Guest 109 (6/10).
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Question 1 of 10
1. Which Welsh castle was built from 1283 onwards by Edward I, to defend the newly conquered region against local uprisings, and was supposedly the birthplace of the first (English) Prince of Wales? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. Edward I built an 'iron ring' of castles round Snowdonia, in North Wales, designed to keep control of the area firmly in English hands. Which of these castles does NOT form part of this 'iron ring'? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. Harlech Castle is one of the most famous in Wales, thanks to its beauty and impressive defences. Which of these defensive features is NOT part of Harlech Castle? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. This castle is on the island of Anglesey, and building was begun in 1283. The architect was also responsible for the castles at Caernarfon and Harlech, but planned his most ambitious project here. There was a moat, filled with tidal water, and a beautifully symmetical arrangement of walls and towers. Sadly, the castle was never completed. What is its name? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. What name is given to the 'saw-toothed' walls on top of castle towers and walkways, built to protect soldiers from attack by arrows? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. This Welsh Castle is famous for its inclusion of walls encirling the entire town, with 21 guard towers at regular intervals. The scheme meant that any attackers who succeeded in getting access to one area could be cut off by soldiers from one of the other towers. What is its name? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. Caerphilly Castle, in South Wales, was built by the powerful lord Gilbert de Clare. There are several concentric walls as well as an inner and outer moat, which made it almost impossible to enter. During which century was construction begun? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. What was the intended purpose of the 'donjon'? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. The Welsh population was only allowed into Edward I's walled towns during daylight. Is this true or false?


Question 10 of 10
10. What is true about Dolbadarn Castle? Hint



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Most Recent Scores
Today : jonnowales: 8/10
Oct 27 2024 : Guest 86: 8/10
Oct 07 2024 : Guest 109: 6/10

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Which Welsh castle was built from 1283 onwards by Edward I, to defend the newly conquered region against local uprisings, and was supposedly the birthplace of the first (English) Prince of Wales?

Answer: Caernarfon

Caernarfon had been a popular site for defence. The Romans had fortifications here, and the Welsh Princes had a castle on the site before the Conquest by the English. Edward II was said to have been born here, in the Eagle Tower, and was presented to the people as 'the native-born prince who could speak no English.' Caernarfon Castle was also the location for the investiture of Prince Charles as the current Prince of Wales in 1969.

In 2003, Caernarfon was voted by the British public as number 9 in the Top Ten Finest Castles of Britain.
2. Edward I built an 'iron ring' of castles round Snowdonia, in North Wales, designed to keep control of the area firmly in English hands. Which of these castles does NOT form part of this 'iron ring'?

Answer: Raglan

Raglan Castle is situated in Gwent, South Wales. It is an excellent example of a later medieval castle. It was built around 1430 by a rich Welsh family, that of Sir William ap Thomas. There was a moat, a double drawbridge, several tall towers, elaborate carvings and a huge banqueting hall.
3. Harlech Castle is one of the most famous in Wales, thanks to its beauty and impressive defences. Which of these defensive features is NOT part of Harlech Castle?

Answer: a deep natural moat formed by a river

Harlech's majesty is largely due to its postion high above the sea. The strong walls were formed in concentric circles, though the outer walls are now in ruins. The gate had up to three portcullises which could be dropped to keep out attackers.
4. This castle is on the island of Anglesey, and building was begun in 1283. The architect was also responsible for the castles at Caernarfon and Harlech, but planned his most ambitious project here. There was a moat, filled with tidal water, and a beautifully symmetical arrangement of walls and towers. Sadly, the castle was never completed. What is its name?

Answer: Beaumaris

Beaumaris was named after the marshes - the 'beau marais' in the Norman tongue - upon which it stood. It is not as impressive as Harlech, as it is built on flat land, but its beauty lies in the symmetry and balance of its design. Sadly, the tallest towers and turrets that were planned were never built. Lack of funds was the main problem.

The architect was Master James of St George. He was responsible for 12 of the 17 castles that were built or modified at the command of Edward I.
5. What name is given to the 'saw-toothed' walls on top of castle towers and walkways, built to protect soldiers from attack by arrows?

Answer: crenellation

A battlement is the basic wall itself, and need not have a crenellated top. The merlon is the part that projects upwards, and the crenelle is the opening between the merlons. The entire thing, which forms the classic image of a castle, is the crenellation.
6. This Welsh Castle is famous for its inclusion of walls encirling the entire town, with 21 guard towers at regular intervals. The scheme meant that any attackers who succeeded in getting access to one area could be cut off by soldiers from one of the other towers. What is its name?

Answer: Conwy

Conwy (also known as Conway) Castle is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a site of outstanding universal value. It is another of the castles designed by James of St George. 1500 men spent only four years building the castle. The town walls still stand today, and tourists can walk round most of them.

The site of the castle was chosen deliberately by Edward as it was reputedly the burial site of Llywelyn, the last Prince of Wales; and so a Welsh site of pilgrimage became a symbol of English opression.
7. Caerphilly Castle, in South Wales, was built by the powerful lord Gilbert de Clare. There are several concentric walls as well as an inner and outer moat, which made it almost impossible to enter. During which century was construction begun?

Answer: 13th

Gilbert de Clare began the work in 1268. He died in 1295, and his son, also Gilbert, continued the work.
8. What was the intended purpose of the 'donjon'?

Answer: living quarters for the lord and storage

Our word 'dungeon' comes from the Norman 'donjon'. It contained the great hall. The bottom floor of the keep had strong, thick walls, and no windows. The original purpose was for storage of food and weapons. The use as a prison did not begin till several generations later.
9. The Welsh population was only allowed into Edward I's walled towns during daylight. Is this true or false?

Answer: true

They were allowed in during the day, to trade and work (provided they did not carry weapons of any kind) but were forced to leave at sunset. They formed settlements outside the towns themselves. The castles and towns were strongholds for the English.
10. What is true about Dolbadarn Castle?

Answer: it predates Edward I's conquest

Dolbadarn, near Llanberis, is a good example of one of the original castles, built by the Welsh Princes before the English conquest. It is tiny in comparison with the larger castles of Edward. Its remains stand in a stunning setting on the shores of Lake Padarn and under the shadow of Mount Snowdon.
Source: Author Elanor

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor bloomsby before going online.
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