Flint Castle

Flint Castle is a fortress in Wales featuring a square inner courtyard defended by towers at each corner. A separate circular defensive tower stands across a moat, connected by a drawbridge that could be raised for protection.

Edward I of England ordered construction of this fortress in 1277 as his first stronghold in the conquest of North Wales. It marked the beginning of a chain of military bases that secured his control over the region.

The castle holds significance in English literature as the site where Richard II gave himself up, an event that inspired Shakespeare and other writers. The 1399 events made this place a symbol of political upheaval that captured the imagination of storytellers for centuries.

The site is open daily and welcomes visitors without advance planning needed. Parking is available nearby, making it easy to explore the ruins on foot at your own pace.

The unusual design with its freestanding circular tower separated by a moat shows a rare defensive strategy from that era. This layout provided extra protection and made the fortress a technological innovation in castle building of the 1200s.

Location: Flint

Inception: 1277

Founders: Edward I of England

Architects: James of Saint George

Elevation above the sea: 5.7 m

Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/flint-castle

GPS coordinates: 53.25176,-3.12991

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:24