4957 x 3781 px | 42 x 32 cm | 16,5 x 12,6 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
13 novembre 2002
Ubicazione:
Rhudlan Castle, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire, Wales, UK
Altre informazioni:
Construction of Rhuddlan Castle started in 1277 by Edward I as part of his first campaign against Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in north Wales It supplanted the Norman Motte on Twt Hill just upstream (hidden by trees). It was the first of the English royal castles where Master James of St George is recorded in charge of operations and it features recognisable Savoyard building techniques. Twin towered gateways lead into a diamond shaped inner court within a roughly concentric outer enclosure. It is defended by a broad stone-revetted dry moat (out of picture), except where it meets the river bank on the south-western side. Usually Edward I built his castles on the coast so that supplies could get through by sea even if land routes were attacked. During the fortification's lengthy construction, the river course was straightened and dredged to allow ships to sail inland along a man-made channel. They could either moor up at the Water Gate (foreground) or continue into the Dock beside Gilot's tower (far right) where a poster gate gave access to the Castle. During the civil war, 1648, the castle was partly demolished by Palimentarians to prevent future use. The river course has naturally swung away from the castle.