Aberystwyth Castle
Ceredigion, Wales (5 castles)
Edward I
Small amount survives
Only open at certain times
In 1276 King Edward I declared war on Llywelyn, the Prince of Wales. The English king advanced into north Wales building a series of castle on the coast. These castles were designed and built by James of St. George, Edward's master castle builder. James rebuilt the castle at Aberystywth at a new location. Being located near the coast meant the castle could be resupplied by ship, a safer means of getting food and men to the castle than across rugged Welsh countryside.
The castle remained in English hands until the revolt of Owain Glyndwr. A dispute over land resulted in a full scale rebellion against the English in Wales. Let by Glyndwr the Welsh captured many castles in North Wales including Aberystwyth. In 1407 Prince Henry (the future king Henry V) laid siege to the castle and captured it in 1408.
English Civil War
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Glendowers Revolt (click here)
Edward I and Wales (click here)
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Timeline
1110
...
At Aberystwyth in Wales an improved castle was built by the Norman Gilbert de Clare replacing an earlier fort. This castle was also known as Aberrheidol Castle. [1]
1197
April
After the death of Rhys ap Gruffydd, Lord Rhys, his eldest son Gruffydd ap Rhys was generally accepted as his successor, but not by his brother Maelgwn. With the help of Gwenwynwyn ap Owain, the ruler of the areas around mid Wales, Maelgwn invaded the lands of South Wales controlled by Gruffydd his brother. The invaders managed to capture the town and castle at Aberystwyth.
1207
The castle at Aberystwyth was demolished by Maelgwyn, the brother of the then Lord of Cardiganshire. Maelgwyn had risen up in revolt against his brother and put him in prison. Maelgwyn had first captured the castle but decided to destroy it because Llywelyn the Great was threatening to attack Maelgwyn's lands and he feared the that castle could fall into Llywelyn's hands. [2]
1277
Reconstruction of the castle at Aberystwyth was begun by the English during King Edward I's conflict with Llywelyn ap Gruffydd. [1]
1282
The Welsh attacked and burnt the castle at Aberystwyth and its town. [1]
1284
King Edward I ordered reconstruction work at Aberystwyth Castle after it had been burnt and damaged in an earlier Welsh attack. [1]
1404
Owain Glyndwr captured the town of Aberystwyth and its castle after a lengthy blockade. [1]
1407
Prince Henry laid siege to the castle at Aberystwyth in an attempt to remove the Welsh who had captured it in 1404.
1408
Autumn
The Welsh surrender the castle at Aberyswyth. They had held out for a year. Prince Henry had tried destroying the castle with canons but had no success.
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