On 16th March 1647 Harlech Castle, the last Royalist stronghold of the English Civil War, surrendered to Parliament's forces after a 10-month siege.
Harlech Castle rests upon part of the Harlech Dome, a spur of rock almost 200ft high, from which the land falls away sharply on the north and west. A ditch cut into the rock protects the remaining approaches to the castle. It has been described as one of the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe.
In mythology, the site of Harlech Castle is associated with the legend of Branwen, a Welsh princess whose story features in the Mabinogion. It is thought that the site was later a Llys (Welsh royal court) which later became a castle of Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffydd.
1282 - After Edward I's successful campaign in North Wales he ordered the construction of a castle at Harlech.
1289 - Harlech Castle completed.
1294 - Harlech Castle besieged by Madog ap Llywelyn during a Welsh uprising, but the castle held out.
1404 - The castle was taken by Owain Glyndwr and became his residence and military headquarters for four years.
1405 - Owain Glyndwr held his second parliament at Harlech Castle.
1408 - English forces under the command of the future Henry V placed Harlech Castle under siege.
1409 - Harlech Castle fell to the English.
1460 - During the Wars of The Roses, Queen Margaret of Anjou fled to the castle and it was held by her Lancastrian supporters as their headquarters for the region.
1468 - Harlech Castle was taken by the Yorkists after a month's siege, and is thought to be the inspiration for the song 'Men of Harlech'.
1644 - Prince Rupert appointed a local Royalist, Colonel William Owen, as the castle's constable and Owen was entrusted with repairing the fortifications.
1647 - The castle was surrendered to Parliamentary forces after a 10-month siege, the last royal fortress to surrender in the war. Parliament ordered its slighting to make the castle unusable. However, the orders were only partially carried out and it was not totally demolished.
1986 - Harlech Castle gained World Heritage Status.
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