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Rhuddlan

Rhuddlan today is a suburb of Rhyl but in its heyday it was an important port on the River Clwyd, a strategic site guarded by the mighty Rhuddlan Castle. This imposing fortress was built in the late 1200s as part of Edward I’s “Iron Ring” of castles designed to subjugate Welsh rebels. The impressive ruins include a massive twin-towered Gatehouse and an inner core of concentric ‘walls within walls’. Close to the castle, a prominent earthen mound known as Twt Hill is the site of an early Norman stronghold.

Edward used the castle as his headquarters during his campaign and it was from here that Edward issued the Statute of Rhuddlan (in March 1284) that united the Principality of Wales with the Kingdom of England. He also gave the town a Royal Charter when his sovereignty was confirmed. The statute, which lasted until the Act of Union in 1536, was enacted on the site now occupied by Parliament House (the old court house) and there is a commemoration tablet on the wall that is said to be from the original building.

While the castle in its heyday was a magnificent example of medieval defensive building, the most impressive engineering feat in the area was the canalisation of the River Clwyd to give the castle access, by ship, to the sea some three miles away. The remains of the dockgate, Gillot’s Tower, can still be seen. This was built by the master builder James of St George, who was also responsible for the interesting concentric plan of the castle that allowed archers, stationed on both the inner and outer walls, to fire their arrows simultaneously.

At one time a Dominican Friary stood close to Twt Hill, though the remains are now on private property. The Parish Church of St Mary was founded in the 13th century, with an extra nave being added 200 years later. However, the original church may have been built about 1080. At one time it had been considered as the place to build a new cathedral for what is today the Diocese of St Asaph. There is the tombstone of an archbishop in the church – but an unusual one. He was William de Freney, Archbishop of Edessa in Syria. It was originally part of a Dominican friary, but was brought to the church in 1536.