Nestled on the eastern bank of the Menai Strait, directly opposite the Isle of Anglesey, lies Caernarfon, a distinguished royal town, community, and port within Gwynedd, Wales. This historic settlement, home to a population of approximately 9,852 inhabitants (including the adjacent village of Caeathro), serves as a crucial hub in North Wales. Strategically positioned along the A487 road, Caernarfon is located just 8.6 miles (13.8 km) south-west of the vibrant city of Bangor, while the majestic peaks and dramatic landscapes of Snowdonia National Park embrace its eastern and south-eastern flanks. The town's name, derived from Welsh, means "fortress in the land facing Môn" (Môn being the Welsh name for Anglesey). Historically, Anglicised spellings such as 'Carnarvon' and 'Caernarvon' were once common, but these were officially superseded in 1926 and 1974 respectively, standardising the current Welsh form.

The rich natural resources surrounding the Menai Strait, a narrow yet powerful tidal channel separating Anglesey from mainland Wales, facilitated human habitation in this region from as early as prehistoric Britain. During the period known as Roman Britain, the area was home to the Ordovices, a resilient Celtic tribe. To assert control and subjugate these native peoples during the Roman conquest of Britain, the Roman fort of Segontium was strategically established around AD 80. Segontium, an important auxiliary fort, guarded the western flank of Roman Wales and served as a vital naval base. Archaeological excavations at the site have unearthed numerous artefacts, providing invaluable insights into Roman military life and local interactions. The Romans maintained their presence in the region until the formal end of Roman rule in Britain in 382 AD, after which Caernarfon became an integral part of the powerful Kingdom of Gwynedd, one of the principal medieval Welsh realms.

Centuries later, in the late 11th century, William the Conqueror, following his successful Norman invasion of England, sought to extend his dominion into Wales. As part of this Norman expansion, he ordered the construction of a motte-and-bailey castle at Caernarfon. However, William's attempts to fully subdue Wales proved largely unsuccessful, and the Welsh principalities, particularly Gwynedd, maintained their independence for another two centuries, until around 1283.

The 13th century marked a pivotal turning point in Welsh history. Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the last independent Prince of Wales and ruler of Gwynedd, famously refused to pay homage to Edward I of England. This defiance directly precipitated the English conquest of Gwynedd, a campaign that ultimately brought Wales under English control. Following this conquest, Edward I embarked on an ambitious programme of castle building across Wales, designed to solidify his newly acquired territories. Caernarfon Castle, commissioned by Edward I and largely designed by the masterful architect James of Saint George, stands as one of the largest, most imposing, and architecturally significant fortifications ever built by the English in Wales. Its distinctive polygonal towers and banded masonry echo the ancient Roman walls of Constantinople, a deliberate choice by Edward I to link his new dominion with the grandeur of the Roman Empire and assert his imperial authority. In 1284, parallel to the castle's construction, the English-style county of Caernarfonshire was formally established by the Statute of Rhuddlan, an act that integrated Welsh law and administration more closely with England. In the same year, Caernarfon was granted the status of a borough, evolving into a bustling county and market town, and serving as the primary seat of English government and administration in north Wales.

The subsequent ascent of the House of Tudor to the throne of England in the late 15th century, with their Welsh lineage, significantly eased hostilities between England and Wales. This period of relative peace, while beneficial for Anglo-Welsh relations, inadvertently led to Caernarfon Castle falling into a state of disrepair as its defensive purpose diminished. Despite the castle's decline, the town itself flourished over the centuries, progressively transforming into the vibrant centre it is today. Caernarfon now stands as a major tourist destination and serves as the administrative seat of Gwynedd Council. Its thriving harbour and modern marina underscore its continued maritime importance. The town has expanded considerably beyond its original medieval walls, experiencing significant suburbanisation in recent decades. Notably, the community of Caernarfon boasts the highest percentage of Welsh-speaking citizens anywhere in Wales, making it a crucial stronghold for the Welsh language and culture. The town's distinguished status was further cemented when Queen Elizabeth II granted it the title of "Royal Borough" in 1963, a designation that was later amended to "Royal Town" in 1974. Today, Caernarfon Castle and its remarkably preserved town walls are recognised globally as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, collectively described as the "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd," acknowledging their outstanding universal value as examples of medieval military architecture.

Caernarfon holds a unique place in the history of the British monarchy, particularly through its connection to Edward II.

Edward II: The Life and Reign of the First Prince of Wales

Edward II (25 April 1284 – 21 September 1327), often historically referred to as Edward of Caernarfon due to his birth within Caernarfon Castle, reigned as King of England and Lord of Ireland from 1307 until his controversial deposition in January 1327. As the fourth son of the formidable Edward I, he unexpectedly became the heir apparent to the English throne following the untimely death of his elder brother, Alphonso, in 1284. From 1300 onwards, the young Edward accompanied his father on various military campaigns aimed at pacifying Scotland. In 1306, in a grand and symbolic ceremony at Westminster Abbey, he was formally knighted, a significant public declaration of his readiness for future leadership. Upon his father's death in 1307, Edward duly succeeded to the throne.

In 1308, Edward solidified his position and attempted to resolve long-standing tensions between the English and French crowns by marrying Isabella, the daughter of the powerful and influential King Philip IV of France, often known as Philip the Fair. This strategic dynastic alliance, however, would ultimately prove to be one of the most tumultuous in English history.

A Reign Marred by Favourites and Factionalism

Edward II's reign was profoundly shaped by his deeply personal and often controversial relationships, particularly with Piers Gaveston. Gaveston, a Gascon knight, had joined Edward's household around 1300 and quickly became the King's closest companion and confidant. The precise nature of their relationship remains a subject of historical debate, with scholars suggesting possibilities ranging from intimate friendship to a romantic liaison or a bond akin to sworn brotherhood. Regardless of its exact definition, Edward's intense favouritism towards Gaveston, showering him with titles and power, caused significant resentment and provoked widespread discontent among the English barons and even the French royal family. This palpable animosity ultimately forced Edward to reluctantly exile Gaveston on multiple occasions. The dramatic and often tumultuous relationship between Edward and Gaveston has resonated through history, famously inspiring Christopher Marlowe's 1592 play 'Edward II,' alongside numerous other plays, films, novels, and various forms of media.

Gaveston's return from exile in 1311 further inflamed the already strained relationship between the King and his nobility. The powerful baronial opposition, led by figures like Edward's cousin, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster – one of the wealthiest and most influential magnates in England – pressured the king into agreeing to a series of wide-ranging governmental reforms known as the Ordinances of 1311. These Ordinances aimed to limit royal power, control royal expenditure, and require parliamentary assent for key appointments and foreign policy decisions. However, the newly empowered barons soon banished Gaveston once more. Edward, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and defiance, promptly revoked the reforms and recalled his favourite. This act of defiance led to an escalating armed confrontation. In 1312, a group of barons, under Lancaster's leadership, seized and subsequently executed Gaveston, marking a dramatic and violent turning point in the reign.

Military Setbacks and Mounting Opposition

The domestic turmoil was compounded by significant military setbacks abroad, particularly in Scotland. English forces, already weakened by internal divisions, were decisively pushed back by Robert the Bruce's Scottish armies. This culminated in Edward II's catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, a pivotal moment that effectively secured Scottish independence for centuries to come. The military failures were exacerbated by widespread environmental and economic hardship, including the devastating Great Famine of 1315-1317, which swept across Europe, leading to widespread death and social unrest. Amidst these compounding crises, criticism of the King's reign mounted relentlessly.

Following Gaveston's death, the Despenser family, particularly Hugh Despenser the Younger, rose to prominence, becoming Edward's new and equally controversial close friends and advisers. Their insatiable ambition and rapacious accumulation of wealth and power quickly alienated the baronage once again. In 1321, Lancaster and many of the barons seized the Despensers' lands and forcibly compelled the King to exile them. In a swift and ruthless response, Edward II launched a short but effective military campaign, successfully capturing and executing Lancaster in 1322, effectively crushing the baronial opposition. With the Despensers restored to power, Edward and his new favourites significantly strengthened their grip on the realm, formally revoking the 1311 reforms, ruthlessly executing their enemies, and confiscating vast estates. However, despite their domestic dominance, Edward remained unable to make any meaningful progress in Scotland and eventually signed a truce with Robert the Bruce.

Deposition and Death

Opposition to Edward II's increasingly oppressive regime continued to grow. In 1325, Queen Isabella was dispatched to France to negotiate a peace treaty with her brother, King Charles IV. However, instead of returning, Isabella famously turned against her husband. She formed a powerful alliance with the exiled English baron Roger Mortimer, who had become her lover, and in 1326, they launched an invasion of England with a small but determined army. Edward's regime, lacking popular support, quickly collapsed. He fled to Wales, seeking refuge, but was ultimately captured in November 1326. In January 1327, under immense pressure, the King was formally forced to relinquish his crown in favour of his 14-year-old son, Edward III. Edward II died at Berkeley Castle on 21 September 1327, almost certainly murdered on the orders of the new regime, though the exact circumstances of his death, including the persistent legend of a red-hot poker, remain a subject of historical debate and speculation.

Edward II's contemporaries largely criticised his performance as king, highlighting his disastrous failures in Scotland and the oppressive nature of his later rule, dominated by the Despensers. However, 19th-century academics and later historians have offered a more nuanced perspective, arguing that despite his personal failings and the tumultuous nature of his reign, the crises he faced inadvertently forced more frequent parliamentary meetings and discussions, thereby contributing to the long-term growth and development of parliamentary institutions in England, a positive constitutional development for the kingdom over time.

Frequently Asked Questions about Caernarfon and Edward II

Why is Caernarfon known as a "Royal Town"?

Caernarfon received its 'Royal Borough' status in 1963, amended to 'Royal Town' in 1974 by Queen Elizabeth II. This designation recognises its historical significance, particularly its role as the traditional site for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, a tradition that began with Edward II himself and was notably revived for Prince Charles (now King Charles III) in 1969 at Caernarfon Castle.

What is the significance of Caernarfon Castle?

Caernarfon Castle is a monumental Edwardian fortress, built by Edward I of England in the late 13th century after his conquest of Wales. It was designed not only as a military stronghold but also as a symbol of English power and a seat of government. Its unique architectural style, with polygonal towers and banded masonry, is said to echo the walls of Constantinople, deliberately chosen to project an image of imperial might. The castle, along with the town walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What was Segontium, and where was it located?

Segontium was an important Roman auxiliary fort established around AD 80, strategically located just south-east of modern-day Caernarfon. It served as a key military base for Roman forces in North Wales, helping to subjugate the native Ordovices tribe and secure the region.

Why is Edward II also called Edward of Caernarfon?

Edward II was born in Caernarfon Castle on 25 April 1284. His father, Edward I, may have intentionally arranged this birth in the newly conquered territory to symbolise the subjugation of Wales and the legitimacy of English rule over the Welsh people. Thus, he became known as Edward of Caernarfon.

Who was Piers Gaveston and what was his significance to Edward II?

Piers Gaveston was a Gascon knight who became Edward II's close companion and favourite. His immense influence over the King and the significant honours bestowed upon him generated strong resentment among the English baronage, leading to political instability, his repeated exiles, and ultimately his execution by the barons in 1312.

What was the Battle of Bannockburn and why was it important for Edward II's reign?

The Battle of Bannockburn, fought in 1314, was a decisive military defeat for Edward II's English forces against the Scottish army led by Robert the Bruce. This catastrophic loss significantly weakened Edward's authority and prestige, securing Scottish independence and marking a major turning point in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

How did Edward II's reign contribute to the development of Parliament?

Although Edward II's reign was marked by instability and conflict, the frequent political crises and baronial opposition often necessitated the convening of Parliament to address grievances and seek counsel. While not always intentional, these regular meetings and the demands for greater accountability laid important groundwork for the future growth and institutionalisation of Parliament in England.