King Edward I aka Edward Longshanks "the villain from Braveheart" was a mighty king. Commonly known for conquering Scotland - and appropriately known as the hammer of the Scots - Edward Longshanks is also infamous for subduing the Welsh. At almost constant battle with the Welsh Prince Llywelyn ap gruffudd, King Edward I embarked on several huge military campaign in Wales, and in particular Northern Wales. In order to finally put down Welsh resistance Edward embarked on a building project like nothing ever seen in Medieval Europe. Edward constructed 8 mighty castles in Wales and in effect constructed an iron ring around the country. These castles represent some of the finest medieval architecture ever seen and stand as imposing structures even today. Built to the new concentric design, the structures were absolutely cutting edge.

Edward built his mighty castles at Bulith, Aberystwyth, Flint, Rhuddlan, Harlech and Conwy. The two further castles at Caernarfon and Beaumaris were like nothing ever seen but were sadly never finished. These castle represent the pinnacle of castle building in Britain and very much demonstrate the popular concentric castle design.

From the modest fortification at Flint, to the monstrous masterpiece at Caernarfon ,to the unfinished dream palace at Beaumaris, were taking a look at the mighty castles of Edward I "Longshanks".

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