Criccieth Castle

Criccieth Castle is a Grade I listed structure that showcases two phases of construction. The inner ward represents the earliest phase and includes a gatehouse to the north and a southeast tower, all enclosed by a curtain wall. The curtain walls are well-preserved and retain significant sections of the original wall-walk. Internal buildings that have not survived were likely built against the inner face of the west and southwest sections of the wall. The inner gatehouse features paired D-shaped towers, which incorporate a latrine tower to the west and rise to three storeys. These towers were defended by arrow slits at ground level and a portcullis in the passage. The battlements were rebuilt during the reigns of Edward I and Edward II. The arched entrance, which has a high set relieving arch, is a modern rebuild that predates 1933. The original southeast tower was completely encased under Edward I, with only the lower walls remaining and a small section still standing to first floor height.

The outer defences represent the second phase of construction and consist of an irregularly shaped ward. This area is enclosed by a curtain wall that surrounds both the north and south sides of the inner ward, creating a narrow passage along the west side of the inner defences, which was originally roofed over. Towers were constructed to the north and southwest, along with a gatehouse to the southeast on the seaward side. Under Edward I, this gatehouse was extended with a barbican. The southwest and north towers were also enlarged, with the north tower designed to accommodate a siege engine. Although the line of the curtain wall remains, it does not survive to its original height, and only the lower storey of the north tower, along with fragmentary remains of the southwest tower and outer gatehouse, are still visible.