Rhuddlan Castle

For centuries, Rhuddlan had been a fiercely contested strategic location leading to much bloodshed.

Rhuddlan Castle

Rhuddlan. What’s in a name? ‘Rhudd’ is the old Welsh word for ‘red’ and ‘glan’ means ‘bank’. The Normans left us with ‘roe’, a word derived from the French ‘le rous’, meaning redhead. ‘Roeland’ is first mentioned in 1086 but by 1277 it was known as Rhuddlan and Edward I’s chosen location for a mighty scary castle. The castle is rather appropriately built of red stone.

For centuries, Rhuddlan had been a fiercely contested strategic location leading to much bloodshed. Edward’s muscle power triumphed long enough to build a muscle-bound symmetrical castle, showcasing the latest in ‘walls-within-walls’ technology.

Built on the banks of the River Clwyd was no accident; Edward I needed access to the sea – some 3 miles (4.8km) away – to keep his castle supplied. Remains of a defended river gate still exist in the outer ring of the walls.

The castle also played a seminal role in Welsh history: it was here that a new system of English government was established over much of Wales by the Statute of Rhuddlan (1284) – a settlement that lasted until the Act of Union in 1536. After the Civil War the castle was rendered untenable – hence its present condition.

News & Useful Info

Ask about free entry if you are 60 and over or 16 and under and live in Wales.

Adults £3.00 Reduced Rate £2.60Family Ticket £8.60 (admits 2 adults & all children under 16)Children under 5 FREEUnder 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Prices valid until 31st March 2010. Assistance dogs only. No smoking.

Last admission 30 mins before closing. 1 Apr-31 Oct 09: Daily 10am-5pm At all other times this monument will be closed

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