Caernarfon

We've recently returned from a few days stay in the Welsh town of Caernarfon. We arrived last Sunday, in glorious sunshine and were quickly out and about, getting to know our way around. The water-front was first on the itinerary.

The town is dominated of course, by the impressive walls of the castle.

Built by Edward I in the 13th century, it still looms over all and remains a formidable fortress.

Edward's architect for this - and many other welsh fortresses - was the Master James of St George, who was brought in from Savoy (now part of Switzerland) as the finest in the business. The walls of the Eagle Tower, with its three massive turrets, are around 18ft thick. Strong enough to repel even the most enthusiastic of assailants.

Two main gates provide access to the castle. The first, known as the King's Gate, provided access from the town itself.

The Queen's Gate provided a way into the castle without having to go through the town. It seems to float some way above ground level now, with a glass fronted viewing platform. But it actually shows the ground level on the inside of the castle walls. The gate would once have been approached by a huge stone ramp, long since gone.

 One more shot for today, this time, from across the river Seiont and in 'high dynamic range'...

More to follow!