Beaumaris
Castle is the great unfinished masterpiece.
Started in 1296, it was the last of the massive Edwardian fortresses of
the 13th century to be built in North Wales, but money ran out before the
fortifications reached their fall height. Beaumaris is nonetheless an awesome
sight, regarded by many as the finest of Edward's Welsh castles. The king's
military architect, the brilliant James of St George, brought all last experience
and inspiration to bear when building this moated castle on the beau marais
(beautiful marsh) overlooking the Menai Strait. In pure architectural terms
Beaumaris, the most technically perfect castle in Britain, has few equals.
Its ingenious - and perfectly symmetrical walls within walls design was
state of the art for the late 13th century. Built into its plan were no
less than four successive lines of fortifications and 14 separate major
obstacles that any attacker would have to overcome, together with hundreds
of cleverly sited arrow slits and the deadly "murder holes" to
defend entrances. This outstanding fortress is a World Heritage listed site.
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