Conwy Castle
By Steven Kirby
Built between 1283 and 1287 by Edward I, King of England, Conwy was but one link in a chain of mighty new castles commenced during the two military campaigns in which Edward conquered Wales. Its site was chosen to command the important river crossing of the Conwy.
Construction began in March 1283 and, at its height, occupied around 1,500 workmen. within only four building seasons (March-October) castle and town walls were complete, at a cost to the English crown of some £15,000 which is equivalent to £9 million today. All exterior wall surfaces were originally rendered and whitened, creating an effect far more striking than can be seen today.
Visited by us November 6 2004 and way back in February 2002.
This photograph is a of a model of Conwy Castle.
Shot with a Canon D30 + 28-135IS USM lens.
We arrived in North Wales on Saturday the 6th of November 2004, to what only can be described as typical November weather for the United Kingdom,
dark clouds and rain. We visited Conwy Castle in the pouring rain getting thoroughly soaked through. Luckily I had some older photos taken in 2002 of this magnificent castle.
Left Photograph "Me"
Shot with a Canon A80 by Paul.
Much of the original town wall is well preserved and can be seen today, surrounding the town.
Right "Conwy Town"
Shot 2002 with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS.
With the bad weather and the alternating light to heavy rain taking photographs wasn't easy.
its at times like this you realise how useful a lens cloth is!
Entrance to Conwy Castle is gained through the well equiped visitor center,
Right "Flag"
Shot taken 2002 with a Canon D30 + 28-135IS USM.
This is the view of the curtain wall as you mount the ramps leading to the entrance to the castle. This shot was taken in 2002.
Right "Curtain Wall"
Shot with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS.
After passing through the visitor center you walk up a gently sloping ramp to the entrance way shown on the left.
Left "Entrance Way"
Shot 2002 with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS lens + Circular polariser.
The ground floor still shows today the foundations of many internal buildings.
Right "Ground Floor"
Shot with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS.
This is a shot taken in 2004 of the upper floors showing the walkways around the castle, warning they are very slippery in rain.
Right "Upper Walkways"
Shot with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS.
Stood on the outer Ward looking west, with the bow-shaped Great Hall to the left.
Right "Great Hall"
Shot in 2004 with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS lens.
As you enter Conwy the castle is dominating the landscape, immediately conveying its sense of strength to the observer. The castle has eight great towers, all of which are intact, these towers are connected by walls forming a rectangle as opposed to the concentric layouts of the other castles in wales which were built by Edward I.
Left "Tower"
Shot in 2002 with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS.
This is just a snap shot taken through a large arrow-slit or very small window from 2002, it just shows off a nice example of a turret as well.
Right "Arrow-slit"
Shot in 2002 with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS lens.
This is in a large hall off one of the towers, I believe it is a pretty little chapel.
Left "Chapel Alcove"
Shot with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS.
This photo shows one of the smaller turrets that tops the larger towers.
Right "Conwy Turret"
Shot with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS.
This is a photograph of the ground floor at the East end of the castle, many corridors and rooms can be found at this juncture.
Left "Lower Juncture"
Shot with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS.
A good variety of boats are moored up in the bay. At the bottom of this picture you can just make out the inn that is built into an old tower of the town wall.
Right "Conwy Bay"
Shot in 2002 with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS.
This castellated suspension bridge was built by Thomas Telford in 1826 as part of his plan to carry the turnpike road to Holyhead. Before work could start on this bridge the remains of the watergate in the East Barbican had to be demolished. A flight of steps protected by a battlement wall led down and around the East Barbican to the watergate which gave access to seagoing shipping.
Shot with a Canon D30 + 28-135USM IS.
I hope you enjoyed our Road trip report for Conwy Castle. I'll do a non castle orientated road trip next time, I promise.
by Steven Kirby