We arrived at Beaumaris on a lovely early autumn afternoon. In contrast to many of the Welsh castles that sit on high mounds or huge cliffs, this Castle sits contentedly on a level site next to the Menai Straits. Lovely swans and ducks swimming it the moat contribute to its peacefulness.

Beaumaris Castle was the last castle in Wales to be built under command of King Edward I between 1295 and 1298. It was to be part of the "Iron ring" of castles built to establish Edward's authority over the Welsh. There were some 2600 men engaged in the construction of the castle during the first year. It was an elaborate, almost perfectly concentric castle. The castle was a sophisticated example of military architecture. An attacker would have to face fourteen major obstacles in order to penetrate into the inner ward of this castle. The castle was never fully completed because of a lack of funds. King Edward I had almost bankrupted his country in building all these Welsh Castles.

This is a wonderful castle to visit. In addition to it's exterior beauty and large inner ward there are extensive inner passageways and a walk along the top of the inner and the outer wall to explore. The views inside and outside the castle are lovely and are a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.