Ewloe Castle, Medieval castle in Hawarden, Wales
Ewloe Castle is a medieval fortress in Hawarden situated on a stone outcrop overlooking two streams in Wepre Woods. The main structure features a distinctive D-shaped tower surrounded by defensive walls, showcasing typical 13th-century Welsh military design.
Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd built this fortress in 1257 during the territorial conflicts between Welsh rulers and English forces. The stronghold represented a key defensive position in the broader struggle to protect Welsh lands from external conquest.
The castle sits within a wooded setting where the builders adapted the structure to the surrounding hillside. Visitors can observe how medieval craftsmen used local stone and natural terrain to create a fortified stronghold that felt rooted in the Welsh landscape.
Access is through footpaths in Wepre Park, managed by Flintshire County Council and free to visit. The site is open to roam, though paths can become muddy or slippery depending on the season and recent weather.
The fortress contains a rare glacis, a smooth sloped stone surface designed to deflect incoming projectiles during medieval siege attacks. This defensive feature was an unusual innovation for Welsh castles of that era.
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