Travel Eye on Caernarfon (Wales)

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Overview:

Few British towns can claim to have been inhabited without a break since pre roman times, and the evidence of the town's historical past abounds. Caernarfon is most associated with the most beautiful castle in Wales, which is just what its builder, King Edward I, intended. The castle and town of Caernarfon were constructed as a part of Edward's bid to encompass the kingdom of Gwynedd (North Wales) within a chain of fortifications. The town was originally intended to be the seat of English government in Wales. But Edward was not the first to found a settlement here: the Celtic tribes were long established in the area when the Romans arrived. Whilst no trace of them remain in the town, there are a number of their ruined villages in the district. The Romans constructed a fort here called Segontium after the river, which is now called Seiont. Ruins of the fort still remain on site.

In the vicinity of the town there are many prehistoric remains, and in the town itself are the remains of Segontium, a Roman military fort. The jewel of Caernarfon though is its vast medieval fortress built by Edward I, and was the largest of his 'iron ring' of fortresses built whilst conquering North Wales. It is undoubtedly one of the most architecturally impressive castles in the country, with a strong Eastern Roman influence. Edward I's firstborn son was born in the castle, hence why it is now customary to call the first born son of a British monarch the Prince of Wales. This tradition still lives, and the castle was the venue for Prince Charles' investiture in 1969.

Locality:

Caernarfon is at the southern end of the Menai Strait, 8 miles (about 13 km.) south-west of Bangor. It is a county town steeped in history, with its bustling streets, set amongst the wonderful backdrop of the mountains of the Snowdonia national park.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Caernarfon is a bustling market town with a wide selection of shops, good eating places and attractive accommodation. It is also a wonderful location for exploring the rugged wilderness of the Snowdonia National Park.

Things to see and do

• Caernarfon Castle, Caernafaron
• Caernarfon Airparc, Dinas Dinlle
• Inigo Jones Slateworks, Y Groeslon
• Segontium Roman Museum, Caernarfon
• Royal Welch Fusiliers Regiment Museum, Caernarfon 

Events

June:   Caernarfon Midsummer Festival (Caernarfon)
July:   Caernarfon Festival (Caernarfon)
August:   Bryn Terfel's Faenol Festival (Bangor)
October:   Gwyl Werin Caernarfon (Caernarfon)