Medieval Castles of Wales Trivia Quiz

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Answer: 13th

Gilbert de Clare began the work in 1268. He died in 1295, and his son, also Gilbert, continued the work.

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.

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.

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.