Selection of Site

Conwy’s location was strategically chosen on a rocky peninsula overlooking the River Conwy estuary, offering natural defenses and control over key trade routes.

The town of Conwy was also founded alongside the castle, enclosed within massive walls, forming one of the most complete medieval town defenses in Britain.

Construction Timeline and Workforce

Building began in 1283 and continued through the 1280s and early 1290s. The master architect was James of Saint George, a renowned military engineer from Savoy.

Thousands of laborers, masons, carpenters, and craftsmen worked on the castle, which was constructed using local stone and sandstone imported from the nearby quarries.

 Architectural Features and Innovations

Design Overview

Conwy Castle is a concentric fortress, featuring multiple defensive layers, thick curtain walls, and powerful towers.

It measures approximately 420 feet by 300 feet, with eight large towers and two massive gatehouses, all linked by curtain walls.

Towers and Walls

Each tower had a distinct purpose, including residential chambers, armories, and defensive platforms.

The curtain walls, up to 30 feet high and 12 feet thick, provided formidable protection against siege weaponry.

Gatehouses

The twin gatehouses—East and West—are masterpieces of military architecture, equipped with murder holes, portcullises, and arrow slits, designed to thwart attackers.

Integration with Town Walls

Conwy Castle was built as part of a larger defensive complex, including the town walls, encircling the new town of Conwy. This combination protected both the garrison and civilian population. shutdown123