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  1. Home
  2. Medieval Places
  3. Denbigh Castle
Castle
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Denbigh Castle

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 County

Denbighshire, Wales (5 castles) 

 Categories

Stone / Cliff-top

 Remains

Not complete but much survives

 Access

Only open at certain times

 Location53.180544,-3.420695 (Google Maps)
///sugars.forgotten.master
 DirectionsDirections via Google Maps
 County

Denbighshire, Wales (5 castles) 

 Categories

Stone / Cliff-top

 Remains

Not complete but much survives

 Access

Only open at certain times

 Location
53.180544,-3.420695
///sugars.forgotten.master
 Directions
Directions via Google Maps
Denbigh castle is situated on the south side of the town high on a hill. It belonged to a series of Welsh princes before being rebuilt by the English in stone. It was granted to Dafydd ap Gruffydd by King Edward I after Dafydd assisted the English king put down a Welsh rebellion in 1277. But Dafydd rebelled against the English in 1282. Construction of a new castle at Denbigh was ordered by Edward I after the town was captured by the English. It was built by James of St. George for Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln who was granted ownership by Edward. Denbigh castle was part of King Edward's series of forts built in North Wales in order to put down Welsh rebellions. Construction of the castle and the town's outer wall was interrupted when the town was attacked by the Welsh in 1294 and possibly captured. Building work continued when the English regained control after the uprising was put down. Henry de Lacy died in 1311 before the completion of the building work. The main feature of the castle is the gatehouse which consists of three towers arranged so that any attackers would be exposed to arrow fire from many sides. A series of portcullises, inner doors and a drawbridge were also in place to provide a high degree of defence. In medieval times the houses were contained within the town walls on the hill but due to its steepness these houses were abandoned and the town was relocated on the valley floor below.

Location

See Also

People

  • Edward (I, King of England 1272-1307)
  • James (of St George)
  • Gruffydd, Dafydd ap (Welsh Prince)
  • A .. Z List of Medieval People

Related Information

  • Why build and live in castles
  • Castle development timeline
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  • Castles of William the Conqueror
  • Motte and bailey castles
  • Shell-Keeps
  • Square keeps
  • Polygonal Keeps
  • Castles of Edward I
  • Parts of a castle
  • Location of lots of castles
  • Castle construction timeline

Related Maps

  • Map of Castles

Related Episodes

Edward I and Wales (click here)

Edward I and Wales (click here)

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Wars of the Roses Phase Three (click here)

Location Map (click to explore)

Timeline

1282

...

Construction of Denbigh Castle

Another castle was built by King Edward I's master castle builder, James of St. George in North Wales.

1294

September

Denbigh attacked by the Welsh

King Edward I need money and men for his war with the French and sent tax collectors into Wales. In response the tax collectors were hung and a rebellion began in the north of Wales led by Morgan. Denbigh Castle and its town were attacked during the Welsh uprising. The rebellion spread to the south of the country,  ¹

1468

July

Jasper Tudor's invasion

King Louis XI of France provided Jasper Tudor, the Earl of Pembroke, with three ships and fifty soldiers to invade Wales. The small invasion force planned to gain support against Edward IV and help the Lancastrian garrison trapped at Harlech Castle. The castle was surrounded by the English so Pembroke attacked and occupied Denbigh gaining many supporters. Lord Herbert was dispatched to deal with the threat and defeated Pembroke who managed to escape.

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Selection of references used:

  • 1. Alan Reid, The Castles of Wales, 1973, ISBN:ISBN-0-85097-185-3

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    Location

    See Also

    People

    • Edward (I, King of England 1272-1307)
    • James (of St George)
    • Gruffydd, Dafydd ap (Welsh Prince)
    • A .. Z List of Medieval People

    Related Information

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    • Castle development timeline
    • Keep and bailey castles
    • Castles of William the Conqueror
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    • Shell-Keeps
    • Square keeps
    • Polygonal Keeps
    • Castles of Edward I
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    Related Maps

    • Map of Castles

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