Ruthin Castle

Phone: 01933 225674

 

Email: david.smith34@ntlworld.com

Ruthin Castle is believed to have been built by Edward 1 as part of his Conquest of Wales, and dates from 1272, although it is likely that Edward’s Castle was on the site of an earlier fort, as it is in a strong defensive position commanding an important river crossing.

In 1400 Owain Glyndwr sacked the Castle and the town in an uprising against Henry IV, choosing Ruthin as a result of a land dispute with the De Grey family who were Lords of Ruthin, and whose notorious practices are said to have included dispatching prisoners by drowning them in a special pool in one of the Castle’s Towers. The same family had a major impact on the course of the bloody Wars of the Roses, when in 1460 Lord Grey of Ruthin, in charge of a large portion of the Lancastrian Army, changed sides at the Battle of Northampton. The Civil War saw the Castle fall into the hands of the Parliamentarians after a lengthy siege, the impact of which can still be seen in the ruins remaining today.

In 1826 the modern castle was constructed around, amongst and over the ancient ruins, which still form an integral part of the setting and the charm of it’s gardens and meadows. There is even a Stone Circle, sacred to the Druids, awaiting the return of the National Eistedffod!

Unusually for a castle with such a historic pedigree, you can stay in it in considerable luxury, as it is now a rather special Hotel.

The gardens and grounds provide a truly wonderful and enchanting backdrop for a Medieval Festival.