A 90-minute drive from Merseyside stands a landmark known as "the greatest castle never built", despite being around for centuries.
Beaumaris Castle in North Wales is a fortress with a difference, as although work began on it in 1295, it was never finished. Centuries later, the Anglesey landmark is now a popular school trip and tourist destination, but it once played an important part in Edward I's campaign to conquer the country.
Work began on Beaumaris Castle following the Madog ap Llywelyn uprising. Edward and his architect, James of St George, used the "beau mareys" ("beautiful marsh") beside the Menai Strait as inspiration for the fortress. The pair had already built the castles of Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech, but arguably they saved the best till last.
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Beaumaris Castle has near-perfect symmetry and four concentric rings of "formidable defences", including a huge moat that stretches around three sides of the castle. However, its intended appearance - and potential - was never seen, as a lack of money and trouble brewing in Scotland meant building work had to stop. This is why the Edwardian castle is known as the "unfinished masterpiece", which is rather fitting as it was the last royal stronghold Edward created.
The castle has a notably squat shape with short towers, as they and the south gatehouse never reached their intended height. Despite this, Beaumaris Castle is still a sight to behold, standing proudly on the edge of the seaside town in front of a stunning backdrop of mountains. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes a group of castles and town walls created by King Edward.
Queen Elizabeth II visited Beaumaris Castle in 2002 as part of her three-day Golden Jubilee visit to Wales. There are often special events, including outdoor theatre and medieval festivals at the castle. You can book tickets here.
Have you visited Beaumaris Castle? Let us know your thoughts on "the greatest castle never built" in the comments section below.
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