Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

Rhuddlan, guarding the crossing of the River Clwyd, was a stronghold of King Gruffydd ap Llywelyn from which he was driven by Harold Godwinsson in 1062. In about 1073, after the Norman Conquest, a motte and baileycastle was built to the east of the present structure. When Edward I fought Llywelyn ap Gruffydd in 1277 this was a place at which he built one of the chain of castles with which he established domination of north Wales. This more modern structure is what can be seen today. It is in the care of CADW (tel: 01745 590777 for visiting times) in the village of the same name, south of Rhyl.

See also: Bailey; Harold Godwinsson; King Gruffydd ap Llywelyn; motte; Norman

Related Reading:

• Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition)- The Fall of Saxon England
  (Campaign 13 )