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Which castles did Edward I build in Wales after conquering Gwynedd?
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Edward I
Edward I, watercolour, 15th century; in the British Library (Cotton MS. Julius E. IV).
After conquering Gwynedd, Edward I implemented a strategic program of castle building to secure his authority in Wales. The most significant structures erected as part of this effort include:
- Conwy1
- Caernarfon12
- Harlech1
- Beaumaris1
These fortifications were central to the "Edwardian settlement," as each castle was designed to shelter a borough where English colonists were settled to maintain control over the region. Together, these sites represent a major architectural legacy of his reign and were collectively designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.12