Beaumaris Castle

United Kingdom · United Kingdom · Tier C

Beaumaris Castle, a C-tier castle in United Kingdom

Beaumaris Castle sits on the eastern shore of Anglesey, Wales, beside the Menai Strait. Edward I ordered its construction in 1295 as the final fortress in his ring of castles to control north Wales. Master James of St George designed it on a concentric plan — walls within walls — that Arnold Taylor called Britain's most perfect example of symmetrical concentric planning. Despite costing some £15,000, it was never finished; the gatehouses remain a storey short. Welsh forces seized the castle in 1403 during Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion, retaken in 1405.

Now a well-preserved ruin, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed by Cadw and is open to visitors year-round.

Official site · Wikipedia

Visitor information

Location
United Kingdom
Country
United Kingdom
Tier
C (Worth a visit if you're already in the area)
Coordinates
53.2649, -4.0896
Official site
http://www.beaumaris.com

Frequently asked questions

Where is Beaumaris Castle?
Beaumaris Castle is in United Kingdom, United Kingdom (approximately 53.2649, -4.0896).
Can you visit Beaumaris Castle?
Yes — Beaumaris Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://www.beaumaris.com for hours and tickets.
What tier is Beaumaris Castle on the Castle Atlas?
Beaumaris Castle is rated C tier on the Castle Atlas — Worth a visit if you're already in the area.
What can you see at Beaumaris Castle?
Beaumaris Castle sits on the eastern shore of Anglesey, Wales, beside the Menai Strait. Edward I ordered its construction in 1295 as the final fortress in his ring of castles to control north Wales. Master James of St George designed it on a concentric plan — walls within walls — that Arnold Taylor called Britain's most perfect example of symmetrical concentric planning. Despite costing some £15,000, it was never finished; the gatehouses remain a storey short. Welsh forces seized the castle in 1403 during Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion, retaken in 1405.

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A castle here means anything Wikipedia lists as a castle — which often includes fortresses, palaces, monasteries, and châteaux. The list also includes historicist creations like Neuschwanstein, but only when their main construction was completed before the 20th century.

All castles are sorted into tiers based on nothing but the author’s vibe and whim. Feel free to rearrange them however you personally see fit. Ultimately, the criteria were not historical significance or defensive capability, but how exciting a visit there would likely be.