Towering achievement

NATHEN AMIN explores a 13th-century stronghold that was built to subdue independent-minded Welsh people, yet has since become a symbol of courage in the face of overwhelming odds

- NATHEN AMIN

Planted squarely on a rocky crag in north-west Wales, Harlech Castle boasts an unrivalled strategic position. To the east rise the soaring peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park; to the west stretches the greyish expanse of Cardigan Bay. Many people are attracted to this scenic corner of Wales for the wide range of outdoor activities on offer in the surrounding area. Once here, though, the intimidating presence of the hulking medieval fortress demands discovery.

The origins of Harlech Castle lie in the tumultuous final decade of the 13th century, when the independent Welsh kingdom of Gwynedd was overrun by the English armies of Edward I. This conqueror built Harlech as a formidable if sophisticated symbol of English royal power – a heavily defensive concentric structure designed to intimidate the local populace into submission.