Editor Pick
Rhuddlan Castle
- January 2, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
MichaelJM from Nottingham, England
We made it to Rhuddlan Castle, from Denbigh, in around 25 minutes, just in time to get in before closing time. Rhuddlan looks absolutely spectacular from the banks of the river and like all of Edward’s “iron ring” was said to be no more than a day’s march away from the nearest of Edward’s other castles (making our car journey even more stunning). Once again the king had found a charming spot with views stretching into the distance and towards the end of a sightseeing day this castle is absolutely stunning. “Small but perfectly formed” is an expression that springs to mind.
Admission is normally just short of £3.00 but with our 3-day explorer pass we get in free and there’s ample free car parking at the side of the castle. Having got there late on in the day we were able to explore without hoards of visitors, indeed other than a couple from America we were the only people there.
It’s a real tranquil spot and we could only try to imagine the uproar that must have been caused when the announcement was made, in 1284, that a new statute was to be entered into law. This groundbreaking law, referred to thereafter as the Statute of Rhuddlan ensured that the counties of Anglesey, Meirionnydd, and Caernarfon were staffed with local sheriffs to collect taxes and English style justice using English Common Law. The supporting roles, clearly defined by the statute In addition, of the offices of justice and chamberlain were created and over time this Statute ensured that English Law became the “law of the land” with only local Welsh by-laws being allowed. This statute remained in force for 250 years until the “act of Union”.
So that’s the historical importance of this beautifully constructed castle, but it was also impressive at the time because the lazy river that passes next to the castle was created. The river Clwyd was re-routed to ensure that the castle was accessible by water and over 1500 men were involved in digging out the canal into which the waters of the River would be run. What a testimonial to that work that the river continues to take the course prescribed by Edward and his architects!
The mighty twin towers of the gatehouse are the first feature that caught our eye (impossible for them not to have done!) and these together with the 9-foot thick walls made the castle phenomenally strong. Indeed the fact that the normal troop allocation was around 30 outlines the confidence that the army had in Rhuddlan’s invincibility. It was never overthrown and it was not until the English civil war that it was partially demolished.
In its heyday Queen Eleanor had the central area turfed and a small fishpond with seats around the covered well in the centre of the castle (pace it out – it’s right dead centre!)
Rhuddlan is well worth a visit and the views from the towers are unsurprisingly spectacular.
From journal A Chapel, Two Castles, and a Glimpse of the Sea