Rhuddlan Castle, Rhyl, Wales

Rhuddlan Castle is a castle located in Rhuddlan, Denbighshire, Wales. It was erected by Edward I in 1277 following the First Welsh War.The story of Rhuddlan goes back much further than the fortress built by Edward I. Prior to the Norman occupation of lower Gwynedd, Rhuddlan was at the heart of a Welsh cantref. From here the Lords of Rhuddlan commanded the lands of North East Wales (Welsh Perfeddwlad) on behalf of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn (1007 - August 5, 1063), the last ruler of all Wales.But in the late 11th century, the Normans invaded Gwynedd. Rhuddlan was fought over by the Princes of Gwynedd and the Earls of Chester. The remains of a Norman castle at Twthill, built in 1086, is just to the south of the current castle.In July 1277, at the outbreak of the Welsh Wars, Edward I left Chester and established an advance base at Flint, where building work immediately began on Flint Castle. With naval assistance from 25 ships of the Cinque Ports fleet, the army pushed along the coast. By August Edward had moved his forces onto Rhuddlan. Three months later it was ceded to the English Crown following the Treaty of Aberconwy between Llywelyn II of Gwynedd and Edward I.