How did Edward I use castles and English settlements to control Wales?

To secure his conquest of Wales, Edward I implemented a strategic program of castle building and colonization designed to consolidate English authority over the region.12

The Castle Network

Following his military campaigns, Edward erected a formidable ring of powerful castles, including Conwy, Caernarfon, Harlech, and Beaumaris, to encircle the territory of Gwynedd. These structures, many designed by the expert Master James of St. George, served as military strongholds that projected royal power and maintained control over the conquered districts.132

English Settlements

Edward integrated these fortifications with the establishment of planned boroughs. Each castle typically sheltered a town where English merchants and craftsmen were settled to colonize the area. These boroughs were often granted royal charters and functioned as centers of English influence and administration. By combining these military and civilian settlements with the administrative reorganization of the land into shires under the Statute of Wales (1284), Edward effectively established a lasting framework for English governance in Wales.1432