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.
