Centuries Depending on the Sea

by Paul Sandby (1809)

To Celebrate Wales Year of the Sea we’ve put together an article about Caernarfon amazing history by the sea -It’s no secret that Caernarfon defends the Menai Strait’s mouth from the exposed open water of the Irish Sea.

Caernarfon position on the mouth of the strait was in order to defend this integral strategic position, an important route to speedily access the North and West Coasts of Wales, as well as overseeing passage to Anglesey.

Supplies to Caernarfon Castle and it’s surrounding town would always come by sea due to the Welsh forces’ prowess in convoy ambush when transporting supplies over land, and so in using the seas they would not be able to use their guerrilla ambush techniques.

Richard Wilson – ‘Caernarvon Castle’ circa 1745

A School for Sailors

Ellen Edwards, Headmistress of Caernarfon School for Sailors. Distributed under Fair Use: educational, nonprofit, scholarly, reporting, reviewing, or research. Fact-based public content

Another amazing fact about Caernarfon is that it was the location of a school for sailors and seamen. It was run by a woman by the name of Ellen Edwards who came to live in Caernarfon during the 1830s. She taught navigation and seamanship to hundreds of local men until her death in 1889. She was daughter of captain William Francis of Amlwch, Anglesey who himself had been a teacher of navigation. In her final years she was assisted by her daughter, Ellen Evans. I no-doubt don’t have to point out that opportunities for women have always been very limited, so to open a school of such success is an unprecedented achievement for a woman of that time. I’m sure she would have been to the Black Boy Inn a few times!

Home of the World’s Oldest Yacht Club

Today, Caernarfon is home to the Royal Welsh Yacht Club, based on Porth yr Aur which is the oldest yacht club premises in the world. It offers spectacular view of the Menai and of the old castle town. The associations with the sea and saying is something that has developed in the wake of this town’s amazing place in history is more alive today as it ever was.

by Eric Jones

The Club hosts an annual Menai Strait Regatta, and other clubs come and join for this traditional event.

Yachting in the Menai Strait

An Old Fisherman’s Town

Caernarfon is also a fantastic spot for fishing, with anglers heading to the Menai strait to try and break the record set for the largest Black Bream ever caught, which was broken off the town’s own pier many years ago. Caernarfon Anglers Centre is the place to go if you need fishing and tackle supplies for a great time fishing the azure waters of Caernarfon Bay. The Black Boy Inn are very proud to supply locally sourced seafood from local fishermen, read more about it in our article about our seafood.

Caernarfon has a rich fishing history.

The Logboat of Caernarfon

The Logboat was discovered in Caernarfon in the 20th century. It had spent time outside of garages in Caernarfon and defy before being acquired by the Llyn maritime museum in the 1970s. Research conducted into it confirmed that it is constructed from a tropical hardwood likely to be from West Africa. Ethnographic comparison reveals that it resembles those found in the Niger Delta, West Africa with its pointed bow and stern seat.

One of the possibilities is that the trading ships that sailed from Liverpool to West Africa trading palm oil, the local krooboys (young African man working in the ‘crew’) would paddle over the their logboats to find work on the vessels. Every now and then these kroo boys would stay on the vessel back to England. However rather than paying for unloading costs at ports, their log-boats were thrown overboard. The Caernarfon Logboat could be one of such examples, after being thrown overboard it could have floated into Caernarfon’s waters.

from the book ‘A Trip to Africa.’ published 1890.

Porth yr Aur: Caernarfon’s Water Gate

The Royal Welsh Yacht Club’s clubhouse sits inside Porth yr Aur, the “Golden Gate” – one of two water gates built directly into Caernarfon’s town walls to give the castle and town access straight onto the Menai Strait. It’s a short, easy walk from the Black Boy Inn along the same medieval walls that once defended the town from land and sea alike.

The Menai Strait Today

You don’t need your own yacht to enjoy the water. The Strait remains a popular spot for sailing, kayaking, and wildlife-watching, with regular boat trips running from Caernarfon harbour past the castle walls and out towards Anglesey. Our local attractions guide has more on how to get out on the water during your stay.

From Ship to Supper

That same fishing tradition is still very much alive at the Black Boy Inn. Our restaurant and bar serves seafood landed by local fishermen working these same waters, alongside hearty Welsh classics best enjoyed after a day spent exploring the harbour and the Strait.

Where Land Meets Sea

Caernarfon’s history isn’t only a story of sieges and castles – it’s just as much a story of ships, sailors, and the sea that shaped the town’s fortunes. If it’s battles and rebellions you’re after instead, our other article on Caernarfon’s history of battle covers the town’s turbulent land-based past. Either way, you can read all about it from the comfort of the Black Boy Inn, just a few minutes from the harbour itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I see the Caernarfon Logboat today?
The Logboat is held by the Llŷn Maritime Museum, having been researched and confirmed as constructed from tropical hardwood likely originating in West Africa.

Is Caernarfon a good place for sailing?
Yes. The Royal Welsh Yacht Club, based at Porth yr Aur, is the oldest yacht club premises in the world, and the Menai Strait remains a popular sailing spot, hosting the annual Menai Strait Regatta.

How far is the Black Boy Inn from Caernarfon harbour?
Just a short walk. The Inn sits within the town’s medieval walls, close to Porth yr Aur and the waterfront.

Does the Black Boy Inn serve local seafood?
Yes, our menu features seafood sourced from local fishermen working the same waters described in this article.

Ready to explore Caernarfon’s seafaring past for yourself? Browse our rooms or book a table at our restaurant and bar to try the local catch.