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DENBIGH CASTLE The striking ruins of Denbigh Castle, crowning a steep hill above the town, enjoy commanding views of the pastoral Vale of Clwyd and the round-backed hills of the Clwydian Range.  Denbigh, built as part of Edward I's 13th century campaigns against the Welsh, was constructed by Henry de Lacy, one of the king's chief commanders.
 
It was by no means the first stronghold to occupy this self-evidently strategic site : as if to emphasize English dominance, the castle was built over the stronghold of Dafydd ap Gruffudd, brother of Llywelyn, the Welsh leader crushed by Edward in 1282.  Dafydd was captured and killed in 1283.
 
The building of the 'new' Denbigh from 1282 onwards (which removed all traces of the Welsh fortifications) created not only a castle but a new English borough protected by town walls.  The building, in two phases, was interrupted by a rising in 1294 during which the castle was held for a time by the Welsh.  The later work is easily recognizable by the different coloured stone, thicker curtain walls and angular towers resembling those at Caernarfon.
 
The Castle's finest feature is its striking triple-towered great gatehouse bearing the unmistakable stamp of Master James of St George, the architectural genius responsible for all of Edward's major north Wales castles.  Also of great interest are the town walls, almost 1km/0.6mls long.  The eastern section, defended by the Countess Tower and Goblin Tower, is particularly fine.
 

Visitor Information

• On-site exhibition and museum
• Guidebook
• Splendid panoramic views from the castle's hill top location
• Impressive Burgess Gate and town walls
• There are many scenic walks nearby including the scenic woodland walk around the historic town walls
• Explore Denbigh town for shops and refreshments
• The famous Offa's Dyke path runs not far from Denbigh
• Follow the Denbighshire Medieval trail

Click on 'Cadw website' for further information