CONWY, Wales — The view out through the battlements of Conwy Castle, a 13th-century medieval fortress in North Wales, United Kingdom. The crenellated stonework of the battlements frames a vista of the surrounding landscape, showcasing the strategic defensive design of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by King Edward I, the castle's battlements offer both protection for defenders and a commanding view of potential approaching threats.
Photograph by David Coleman. The view through the battlements of Conwy Castle offers a vivid glimpse into medieval military architecture and strategy. Constructed between 1283 and 1289 under the direction of King Edward I and his master builder, James of St. George, these fortifications represent the pinnacle of 13th-century castle design. The battlements, also known as crenellations, are the distinctive notched parapets along the top of the castle walls. This design serves both defensive and offensive purposes. The raised portions, called merlons, provided cover for defenders, while the gaps, known as embrasures or crenels, allowed them to observe and fire upon attackers. From this vantage point, medieval guards would have kept a vigilant watch over the surrounding area. Through the embrasures, visitors today can take in views that once held vital strategic importance. The vista may include the town of Conwy, the River Conwy estuary, and the undulating Welsh landscape beyond. This panorama underscores the castle's commanding position and its role in controlling movement through this key area of North Wales. The stonework of the battlements themselves is a testament to medieval craftsmanship. Built from local stone, the walls at Conwy are remarkably thick, ranging from 9 to 15 feet in places. This robust construction was designed to withstand siege engines and provide a stable platform for defenders. Conwy Castle was part of Edward I's "iron ring" of fortresses, built to secure English control over Wales. Its strategic location and advanced defensive features, including these battlements, made it a formidable stronghold. Today, as part of the "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd" UNESCO World Heritage Site, Conwy Castle continues to impress visitors with its scale and engineering.
Size: 4157px × 2766px
Location: Conwy Castle, Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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