​​​ Lost Paradises Travels - Europe  

United Kingdom - Wales

Caernarfon

Caernarfon is a royal town and port in Gwynedd, Wales, with a population around 11,000. It lies on the eastern shore of the Menai Strait, opposite the Isle of Anglesey and closed to the city of Bangor. The Roman fort Segontium was established around AD 80 to subjugate the Ordovices during the Roman conquest of Britain. The Romans occupied the region until the end of Roman rule in Britain in 382, after which Caernarfon became part of the Kingdom of Gwynedd. In the 13th century, the ruler of Gwynedd, refused to pay homage to Edward I of England, prompting the English conquest of Gwynedd and the construction of Caernarfon Castle, one of the largest and most imposing fortifications built by the English in Wales. The ascent of the House of Tudor to the throne of England eased hostilities between the English and resulted in Caernarfon Castle falling into a state of disrepair. Today he city has flourished, leading to its status as a major tourist centre and seat of Gwynedd Council, with a thriving harbour and marina.  The castle and town walls are part of a World Heritage Site described as the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd.