Scheduled MonumentsWalesCaernarfon Town Walls
Medieval · Town Wall

Caernarfon Town Walls

Conwy, Wales
Cadw SAM CN034
Period
Medieval
Site type
Town Wall
Broad class
Defence
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Caernarfon Town Walls is a medieval defensive structure enclosing the town of Caernarfon in Gwynedd, Wales. The walls were constructed during the late thirteenth century as part of Edward I's programme of conquest and settlement following the subjugation of Wales, with building work continuing into the fourteenth century. The fortification comprises stone walls with defensive towers and gates that once enclosed the planned town, reflecting the military and administrative importance of Caernarfon as a strategic stronghold in North Wales. Substantial sections of the walls remain visible today, preserving evidence of medieval military architecture and urban planning characteristic of Edwardian castles and their associated defended settlements.

Caernarfon Town Walls is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CN034. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Caernarfon Town Walls?

Caernarfon Town Walls is a medieval defensive structure enclosing the town of Caernarfon in Gwynedd, Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CN034.

What period does Caernarfon Town Walls date from?

Caernarfon Town Walls dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a town wall. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Caernarfon Town Walls?

Caernarfon Town Walls is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is CN034.

What other scheduled monuments are near Caernarfon Town Walls?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Early Habitation Site 180m West of Pen-Yr-Allt (8.7 km), Penbryn Mawr standing stone (9 km), Maen Llwyd in Glynllifon (9.1 km).

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