Denbigh Castle

The ruins of Denbigh Castle comprise a large castle complex, constructed primarily from rough-dressed limestone with buff, brown, and greenish sandstone dressings, and smooth limestone facings, all founded on rock. The castle’s layout is roughly oval, featuring a main gatehouse at the northern end and a postern gate to the southeast. The southern and western sides represent the earliest phases of construction and incorporate four drum towers, moving from north to south: the Bishop’s Tower, the Tower-Next-Treasure House, the Treasure House Tower, and the Postern Tower, which guards the upper (postern) gate. A large mantlet projects in front of the walls; the western section contains an elaborate sallyport, and the southern section guards the postern gate, associated with a large dry moat.

The north and east sides represent a second phase and are characterised by a series of large polygonal towers, with the gatehouse complex taking centre stage. The gatehouse consists of three conjoined octagonal towers embracing a central enclosed octagon in a triangular plan. Originally, the towers had three stages topped with battlements and battered plinths. These are known as the Porter's Lodge Tower, the Prison Tower, and the Badness Tower. The entrance is between the two front towers and originally led to a heavily-defended passage with a drawbridge, gates, and two portcullises, featuring murder holes and lateral arrow slits. This passage initially led to an octagonal vaulted entrance hall (now open) providing access to the castle ward between the Prison and Badness towers. The gatehouse is now largely ruined, with only the Prison Tower retaining its upper stage; a former barbican is gone. The front entrance is defined by a multiple four-centred arch supporting a projecting upper stage with chequer-work decoration. Centrally, within a trefoil-headed, heavily-moulded niche, is a weathered sculpture of a seated figure, likely Edward I. To the west of the gatehouse complex are the remains of the Red Tower.

To the southeast is the Great Kitchen Tower (later named King Charles’ Tower), followed by the White Chamber Tower. The ruins of the former Great Hall lie against the wall between these two towers, with the dais facing the White Chamber Tower. South of this is a substantial solar block, known as the Green Chambers, which incorporates a formerly vaulted undercroft featuring heavily weathered Green Man carvings on two springing stones.