Beaumaris Castle Information

Beaumaris Castle Layout, Beaumaris Castle History

Glorious Beaumaris Castle looking onto the Menai Straits was the last of the mammoth castles built by Edward I in his North Wales ring of castles. Beaumaris is mighty example of medieval military architecture dating from 1295 when work commenced.

Today Beaumaris Castle has UNESCO World Heritage Status. Designed by the military architect Master James of St George (designer of many a castle), it was completed in 1330. Beaumaris Castle's layout is concentric, and the design is noted for it's symmetry. You'd have had to be pretty tough to penetrate this Welsh castle, with it's inner ring of defensive walls, lower outer circuit of walls and huge military firepower capacity. It's a Welsh castle, however, that saw little action up unitl the Civil War.

The shear size of Beaumaris Castle amazes - it covers around 3 or four acres and has two great gatehouses. For a complete history, excellent photographs and visitor advice see the Castles of Wales weblink right for details.

Two other historic building of note in Beaumaris (see official Beaumaris Town guide weblink right) are the Beaumaris Courthouse (Tel: 811691) and Beaumaris Gaol. One ticket gets you into both historic attractions. The Gaol dates from 1829. Both are an fascinating insight into the harsh treatment of prisoners in the Victorian era.

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