Flint Castle

The History of Wales

Construction of Flint Castle was started on July 25th 1277

1277 - Edward I of England began an invasion of Gwynedd by marching his forces up the Welsh side of the Dee estuary and establishing a base at Flint. As part of the resulting Treaty of Aberconwy, Perfeddwlad came under English control and Edward began the construction of Flint Castle. Edward chose to build a castle at Flint because it was strategically positioned on the Dee estuary for easy access by sea, it was only a day’s march from Chester and to defend a low tide crossing point of the Dee to the Wirral.

1282 - Llywelyn ap Gruffudd's brother, Dafydd, attacked the castles of Hawarden, Flint and Rhuddlan. As a consequence of his actions, Edward I of England invaded Gwynedd which resulted in the subjugation of Wales.

1284 - At the Statute of Rhuddlan, Tegeingl became the lordship of Englefield and Flint Castle became one of Edward's 'Iron Ring' of fortresses defending his hold over North Wales. The county of Flintshire was created with Flint as the county town. Edward I granted Flint its first town charter (the first in Wales) and created it a Free Borough with the Constable of the Castle, Reginald de Grey made first Mayor of the new Borough.

1294 - Flint Castle and town were attacked and burned during the revolt of Madog ap Llywelyn against the rule of Edward I.

1399 - King Richard II surrendered at Flint Castle before his subsequent deposition and death.

1400 - After being proclaimed as Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndwr and his followers proceeded to sack the English controlled towns of Denbigh, Rhuddlan, Flint, Hawarden, Holt, Oswestry and Welshpool.

1647 - During the English Civil War, Flint Castle was captured by the Parliamentarians after a three-month siege. The castle was then slighted to prevent its reuse in the conflict.