Caernarfon – A History of Battles

Caernarfon was not always the Peaceful town it is Today!

Today, this bustling seaside market town is a sight to behold! A veritable historical wonder clad in bricks laid in ancient times, with a glorious seaside dockland nearby forests to explore. Traveller’s rejoice as they take refuge in the marvellous Snowdonia Hotels to be found here. Here at the Black Boy Inn, we respect history and celebrate our legendary origins, and as such this idyllic ancient settlement is- let’s not forget – a fortress! This means that its purpose is to defend against invading attackers.

So, with a warrior’s heart – let us delve into the history of Caernarfon and learn of the great battles that have taken place here over the years.

The Welsh for many years stood strong against English Saxon invasions and held to their homeland with ferocious vigilance and vigour, however, after centuries, King Edward began his campaign to capture the Welsh lands and subjugate the brave Celts within.

The King’s Iron Ring

Caernarfon, and it’s mighty castle as you may know, was the defining construction by the English king Edward to consolidate power throughout Wales by establishing a strong ‘Iron Ring’ infrastructure.

It was the Administrative capital of North Wales – and as a result, the castle and the surrounding walled town was built to be on a grand scale. It also had symbolic significance as the Roman fortress of Segontium was located nearby.

The Castle and Town was sacked by Madog ap Llywelyn in 1294 in a revolt against the English powers that be, this was timed so King Edward’s forces would be on campaign in France, however, unfortunately for the Welsh, the bad weather had prevented Edward from sailing. The attack on the continent was quickly cancelled and Edward turned his attention to Wales. Caernarfon was overrun by Madog’s forces and the castle was occupied. The rebellion only lasted a year, and it wasn’t until Owain Glyndwr’s rebellion in the 15th century that a longer rebellion was enacted.

For over 2 centuries after the conquest of Wales by the English, the arrangements established by Edward I for the Governance for the Country arranged in place – This was in large parts the iron ring of castles that was constructed. The town and castle were besieged by Owain Glyndwr with the Glyndwr Rising (1400-1415).

The battle ended without a clear winner, with 300 Welsh soldiers dead – however it demonstrated that Glyndwr’s army had the ability to attack any English settlements that they so desired, it also isolated Caernarfon from its support network – The English Powers. This was an incredibly useful step-up in Owain’s strategic position during this rebellion.

Although Owain’s rebellion eventually failed, Owain is hailed as a great Welsh hero fighting for the preservation of the culture of his homeland – often known as the Welsh William Wallace. He disappeared after the rebellion and was never caught.

Today, however, we’d remind you that it is the Welsh Flag which flies proudly over Caernarfon Castle, and ironically, the castle town is a bastion of Welsh Culture and language.

Did you know that the Black Boy Inn has been named the ‘Welshest Pub in Wales’.

The Iron Ring’s Sister Fortresses

Caernarfon was never meant to stand alone. Edward’s castle-building campaign produced a chain of fortresses across North Wales, each reinforcing the others and together forming what historians now call the Iron Ring. Conwy Castle guards its own walled town on the estuary, Harlech Castle commands the coastline further south, and Beaumaris Castle, the last and most technically advanced of the four, sits across the water on Anglesey. Together with Caernarfon, all four form part of the same UNESCO World Heritage listing and make for a natural day-trip itinerary for anyone staying with us – see our local attractions guide for ideas on planning a castle-hopping day out.

Two Princes, One Castle: The Investitures of 1911 and 1969

Long after the fighting ended, Caernarfon Castle found a new role as the stage for one of the monarchy’s most recognisable ceremonies. In 1911, the future Edward VIII was invested as Prince of Wales within the castle walls, and the tradition was revived in 1969 when the then-Prince Charles was invested in the same setting, watched by millions on television. The ceremony drew heavily on Welsh identity and language – a fitting echo of the very culture the castle was originally built to suppress, and one the town still celebrates today. Curious about the language yourself? Our simple Welsh terms guide is a handy place to start.

Walking Caernarfon’s Town Walls Today

Unlike many medieval towns, Caernarfon’s defences are still almost completely intact. A raised walkway runs along a large stretch of the town walls, giving visitors sweeping views over the Menai Strait, Anglesey, and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) beyond. The full circuit takes under an hour on foot and passes directly by the castle and the harbour. Guests staying at the Black Boy Inn can step straight out of the door and onto the walls within a couple of minutes, making it one of the most convenient ways to explore the old town’s history at your own pace.

Where Eight Centuries of History Meets a Warm Welsh Welcome

The Black Boy Inn has stood within these same walls since 1522, making it one of the oldest inns in North Wales and a living piece of the town’s story in its own right. You can read more about the Inn’s own past on our history page, or settle in for the night in one of our characterful rooms – the Black Tower, a listed Victorian gem within the complex, or Black Jack’s, our haven of Edwardian elegance next door. After a day exploring the castle and walls, warm up with a proper Welsh meal and a pint at our restaurant and bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Caernarfon Castle?
Construction began in 1283, making the castle more than 740 years old. Building work continued for several decades, and in truth, parts of the castle were never fully finished.

Is Caernarfon Castle open to visitors?
Yes, the castle is open to the public year-round, managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. Opening hours vary by season, so it’s worth checking ahead of your visit.

How close is the Black Boy Inn to Caernarfon Castle?
Just a few minutes’ walk. The Inn sits inside the same medieval town walls as the castle, on Northgate Street.

Is Welsh widely spoken in Caernarfon?
Yes, Caernarfon has one of the highest proportions of Welsh speakers of any town in Wales, and it’s a living, everyday language here rather than a historical curiosity. Our simple Welsh terms guide is a good starting point if you’d like to join in.

Ready to base your own exploration of Caernarfon’s castle, walls, and history from inside the walls themselves? Browse our rooms or check our latest offers to plan your stay.