Caergwrle Castle set to become new addition to Cadw portfolio of Welsh castles

Caergwrle Castle (Welsh: Castell Caergwrle) is a fortification in the town of Caergwrle, Flintshire (Sir y Fflint), close to the English border. It was built by Dafydd ap Gruffydd (1238 - 3 October 1283) between 1277 and 1282.  It is one of the castles of the indigenous Welsh princes built in order to defend their land from invasion. The majority of these castles, along with others, have been under the care and management of Cadw which is the Welsh Government's historic environment service who work to make the sites they manage accessible to the public and protect the historic environment for Wales. Amongst their stated aims is to conserve Wales’s heritage, help people understand and care about their history and sustain the distinctive character of Wales. Cadw is a Welsh word meaning ‘to keep’ or ‘to protect’. 

Now Cadw is adding Caergwrle Castle to its list, the first new castle added in 25 years and it will become the 43rd in Cadw’s portfolio. This comes after an agreement in principle between them and the castle’s current custodians, Hope Community Council. Caergwrle Castle has a special significance in Welsh history as the last castle to be built by a native Welsh Prince. Hope Community Council have expressed there enthusiasm to be in partnership with Cadw, in order that the unique historical site of Caergwrle Castle is protected for future generations to enjoy. More information on Cadw can be obtained from their website.

Image: South aspect of Caergwrle Castle c.1795  painted by Welsh artist John Ingleby (1749 - 1808)