Such was the importance of Segontium to the Romans in Keeping the Welsh and predatory Irish tribes under control, that the Roman usurper Magnus
Maximus, who declared himself Emperor in 383, chose Caernarfon as his head quarters. He was the father of Constantine the Great, and married Helen, the daughter of a Celtic Chieftain.
When Edward 1 defeated the Welsh Prince Llewelyn the Last in 1283, he carried on the subjugation of the Welsh people, which had started again after the Norman conquest at the end of the 11th century.
This resulted in the construction of a majestic castle that significantly reflected the design of the walls and towers of Constantinople, which Edward 1 had visited during the Crusades. It is the most impressive of all the Edwardian castles in Britain, and its links with Constantine the Great, who built Constantinople, and accepted Christianity into the Roman Empire, gives Caernarfon and its Castle an unique place in history.
A new town was built here based on the French 'Bastille' pattern, with a regular grid system of streets, and surrounded by an 800 metre wall with eight towers and two twin gateways. This wall survives today almost complete, and is in excellent condition; this together with the castle now being recognised as a "World Heritage Site".
Having a proud history as a long standing seat of government thriving Victorian port and centre of publishing, Caernarfon has emerged as a well known tourist centre and is the crowning glory of the North Wales coast.
Caernarfon's political and military history are now best recognised by a statue to David Lloyd George MP and the museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers housed in the castle.
Also its association with the investiture of Prince Charles in 1969, carried on the tradition where Edward 1 presented his infant son born in
Caernarfon, to the Welsh nobility, as the first Prince of Wales. As part of this proud Royal association, Queen Elizabeth 11 in 1963 conferred the status of Royal Borough on
Caernarfon, and in 1972 the status of Royal Town;
Being recognised as the only Royal Town in the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
As well as being a major tourist centre, the town of Caernarfon is a bastion of the Welsh language; where the majority of the people speak Welsh
(Cymraeg), descended from the ancient Celtic tongues, and where the remainder of Wales turns to for guidance and leadership in all things Welsh. Here are the true
descendants of the ancient Celtic world.
Located as it is in such a beautiful and scenic part of North Wales, the town as the Gateway to
Snowdonia, is centrally placed for numerous interesting and unusual tourist attractions, and for a variety of family orientated activities.
Come and listen to the local male voice choir singing every week; see the birds wheeling around the castle ramparts; walk along the mountain paths; breathe the pure sea air on golden sands; enjoy the attractions that reflect the area's industrial history; travel on the great scenic railways; enjoy the twice weekly market on the castle square and the café culture and excellent restaurants dotted around the town.
Come to Caernarfon and see for yourself
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CAERNARFON COUNCIL WEBSITE.
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Further information see Caernarfon
On Line
For tourist and accommodation information, ring 01286 - 672232 or caernarfon.tic.@gwynedd.gov.uk
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