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Flint

Standing on the south shore of the Dee Estuary, Flint can boast two historical firsts: it was the first associated borough in Wales to receive a charter (in 1284) and it was also the site of the first of Edward I’s Iron Ring fortresses. Dotted along the North Wales coast, a day’s march apart, Edward I’s ring of massive fortresses represented Europe’s most ambitious and concentrated medieval building project. They were started after the Treaty of Aberconwy in 1277 and the last of them, Beaumaris, began in 1295. They were all designed by the master military architect, James of St George. The castles were always populated by English settlers – the Welsh were only allowed to enter the town during the day and were not permitted to trade or carry arms.

Flint Castle, now in ruins, stands on a low rock overlooking the coastal marshes of the Dee estuary and the Wirral peninsula. Originally surrounded by a water-filled moat, the remains of the Great Tower, or Donjon, are an impressive sight. Set apart from the main part of the castle, this tower, which is unique among British castles, was intended as a last retreat. It was designed to be completely self-sufficient, even having its own well.

During the Civil War, the town and castle remained in Royalist hands until 1647 when both were taken by General Mytton, who was also responsible for rendering the castle militarily useless but sparing the substantial ruins we see today.