Europe · United Kingdom · Conwy County Borough
Castell Deganwy
The story
History of Castell Deganwy
Deganwy Castle (Medieval Latin: Arx Deganhui; Middle Welsh: Caer Ddegannwy; Modern Welsh: Castell Degannwy) was an early stronghold of Gwynedd in Deganwy, at the mouth of the River Conwy, now in Conwy county borough, north Wales.
United Kingdom · Conwy County Borough
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Conwy County Borough
- UNESCO
- —
- Coordinates
- 53.298, -3.830
In depth
The fuller history
Between 1961 and 1966 Leslie Alcock led excavations at Deganwy Castle. The programme of work was planned by the University of Wales and funded by the Board of Celtic Studies and the Caernarvonshire Historical Society.
During the excavations a dozen sherds of early medieval pottery which had been imported from the Mediterranean were discovered, indicating the far-reaching contacts of Gwynedd's royal dynasty.
In 2009, the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust carried out a geophysical survey of the bailey between the two hills and land immediately north and south of the castle.
Key dates
- 812The stronghold was burned down in 812 when it was struck by lightning.
- 1210It was captured by the Earl of Chester in 1210, but recaptured shortly afterward by Llywelyn, who had it refortified in stone.
- 1241Ownership of the castle descended to his son, Dafydd ap Llywelyn; in 1241 Dafydd had the castle destroyed ahead of an English advance into the region.
- 1263The castle was destroyed by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales in 1263.
- 1283In 1283, King Edward I of England had Conwy Castle constructed just across the estuary, but left Deganwy Castle in ruins.
- 1979A hoard of 204 silver Cnut pennies was found on Bryn Maelgwyn in July 1979.
Historical summary drawn from Wikipedia. Read the full article.
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