Criccieth Castle may have started it's construction in the 1230's by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth. The inner ward and gatehouse date from this time. In 1260's, the outer ward with curtain wall was probably built by Llywelyn ap Gruffydd. On 14 March 1282, Edward I was in possession of Criccieth. He remodelled the structure in the next few years and included a tower which was probably used for residential purposes. A garrison was put here by Edward III in 1338 and turned the castle and lands over to Edward IV in 1343. There is no evidence which shows castle in use after 1404 when it surrendered to Owain Glyndwr's rebellion. Criccieth was destroyed and stayed under the control of the English Crown until 1858. It was then sold into private hands where some repairs were made, and placed into state care in 1933. |
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