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0:00:09 > 0:00:11- The castle - an image of Wales...
0:00:12 > 0:00:14- ..that's famous - throughout the world.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20- During this series...
0:00:20 > 0:00:24- ..I'll explore - the castle's construction...
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- ..defences and decoration.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35- It's an astonishing story and one - that is quintessentially Welsh.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38- There are more castles - per square mile in Wales...
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- ..than any other similar country.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- They attract droves of visitors.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50- But for us, - they're an uncomfortable legacy.
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- The outcome of ferocious battles - that led to us being conquered.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03- In order to understand - the true meaning of the castle...
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- ..I've been - on a journey through Wales.
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- Over the border - and across the continent...
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- ..to see how the castle - claims a prominent place...
0:01:14 > 0:01:19- ..in many countries' histories, - capturing the imagination...
0:01:19 > 0:01:23- ..of people of all ages - and arousing a lasting interest.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27- How does the castle - occupy our dreams...
0:01:27 > 0:01:30- ..and capture our imagination?
0:01:31 > 0:01:33- To answer that question...
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- ..one must work out exactly - what is the nature of the castle.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43- Is it a fortress or is it a home?
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- Is it a combination - of pride and folly?
0:01:50 > 0:01:54- Or does it combine a vision - with hard labour, skill...
0:01:55 > 0:01:57- ..and determination?
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- Does it eventually prove - that it is military power...
0:02:01 > 0:02:03- ..that counts?
0:02:03 > 0:02:08- Or does it embody bravery - and honour, love and romance?
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- Does it frighten or does it excite?
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- It's a prominent - and powerful symbol...
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- ..but do we - truly understand the castle?
0:02:32 > 0:02:37- How on earth do you go about - building on such a huge scale?
0:02:37 > 0:02:41- How were castles constructed - centuries ago...
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- ..without the aid - of modern machinery?
0:02:44 > 0:02:48- Imagine trying to build - in these hostile surroundings.
0:02:48 > 0:02:53- On barren, rocky land with the - constant threat of enemy attack.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- With no machines, - no vehicles or even roads.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- It was a major construction project.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- In the first episode - of this series...
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- ..we focus - on the construction itself...
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- ..and the manpower - that was vital to build a castle.
0:03:16 > 0:03:18- 950 men here in Harlech.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21- A strict regime was required...
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- ..to achieve the desired effect.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- A clear vision - and numerous resources.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- A supply of wood and stone - as well as lime, lead and iron...
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- ..from all over Wales and beyond.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36- A global shopping list.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- Skill coupled with elbow grease.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- Might and meticulous planning - are on display here.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58- The builders of the Middle Ages - faced unique problems.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04- These days, new buildings - are erected everywhere in Wales.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10- It's easy to forget - that every major building project...
0:04:11 > 0:04:13- ..is nothing short of a miracle.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- It requires careful planning, - skill and labour.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22- And a huge amount of money.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- That was also true 1,000 years ago.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37- The castle - came to Wales with the Normans.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- But the Welsh princes - built castles too.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- Their sole purpose wasn't merely to - defend the country against invaders.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- The castles weren't built to - keep out the English or the Normans.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57- They were power bases...
0:04:58 > 0:05:00- ..for territorial ambitions.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- But it was English hands - that built the largest castles.
0:05:09 > 0:05:14- Their might - was reflected in each stone.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- The castles - weren't open and inviting.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- They were closed - for a particular purpose.
0:05:20 > 0:05:26- They housed an army whose duty - it was to keep the Welsh out.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38- For thousands of years...
0:05:38 > 0:05:42- ..stone was - one the main materials for building.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- Long before the Romans came...
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- ..the stone ramparts of - the hill-fort sheltered the Celts.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- This was - a secure stronghold for the tribe...
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- ..to defend their territory - and raise their families.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- In an age - of brutal raids and invasions...
0:06:17 > 0:06:19- ..a defensive fort was essential.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27- Which explains Roman forts, which - offered shelter for their legions.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- The stone walls - defined the empire's boundaries.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- But the nature of the castle - was different.
0:06:39 > 0:06:42- An entire tribe - lived in a hill-fort.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- An entire legion in a Roman fort.
0:06:46 > 0:06:50- But a castle offers security - for a powerful individual...
0:06:51 > 0:06:52- ..and his close family.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- It serves a military purpose, - of course.
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- But it can also be - a centre of administration...
0:06:59 > 0:07:03- ..to implement a system - of civil rights.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- Raglan Castle in Monmouthshire...
0:07:06 > 0:07:09- ..fulfilled a public role.
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- But like every other castle, - it was a defensive fortress...
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- ..as well as - a residence at the same time.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19- A huge private house.
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- It was a fort and a home.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27- Though the relationship between - the two changed over the years...
0:07:27 > 0:07:32- ..those two purposes were at the - forefront of the builders' minds.
0:07:35 > 0:07:40- In 1066, William the Conqueror - crossed the Channel...
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- ..and brought new methods - to the battlefield.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50- First came galloping horses.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- Riders on horseback - and castle builders alike.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- The combination of both was a shock - to the Saxons. It overpowered them.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- Suddenly, in England...
0:08:06 > 0:08:10- ..new structures - were appearing like mushrooms.
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- A mound of soil, a motte, was built - up with a wooden tower on top...
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- ..surrounded by a bailey, an - enclosure for people and animals...
0:08:22 > 0:08:25- ..protected by a ditch - and an earthen rampart.
0:08:31 > 0:08:36- These were basic castles - - simple to erect and easy to defend.
0:08:36 > 0:08:41- They were very successful...
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- ..as the Normans retained - their occupation of the land.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50- There were hundreds of similar - castles up and down the country.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- Almost all have disappeared by now.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- They've blended - back into the landscape.
0:08:58 > 0:09:02- If you look carefully, - they're relatively easy to find.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07- And there's no need to venture - the other side of Offa's Dyke.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- It's strange - how quick things developed...
0:09:10 > 0:09:12- ..once the Normans arrived.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16- Less than 10 years - after William the Conqueror...
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- ..reached southern England, they - were building castles in Wales.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- Castles like Hen Domen - in Monmouthshire.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- Its Welsh name eludes to...
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- ..an old mound of earth - surrounded by a ditch.
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- It stands guard over - a strategically important ford...
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- ..across the River Severn below.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42- Because of the - motte-and-bailey's simplicity...
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- ..the Normans occupied - English territories with ease.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49- Their intention - was to take control...
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- ..so they built stone towers - to dominate the landscape.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00- To see a very early example - of an imposing Norman tower...
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- ..one must come - to Rochester in Kent.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06- The name given - to this kind of tower...
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- ..was donjon, meaning a keep - in English and gorthwr in Welsh.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- In any language, - it clearly denotes...
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- ..that these stonemasons - had impeccable skills.
0:10:34 > 0:10:36- Apart from a few churches...
0:10:36 > 0:10:39- ..the Saxons didn't have - a stonemasonry tradition.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51- Their new masters had to bring - their essential skills from France.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- But the Normans - were fully prepared...
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- ..to invest in such stonemasonry, - since a solid stone castle...
0:11:07 > 0:11:11- ..like the one in Rochester, - was very hard to seize.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26- This Norman keep - is substantial and lofty.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- It's the tallest in England.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33- There's a wall right in the centre - which divides the place in two...
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- ..and strengthens the structure.
0:11:36 > 0:11:39- But there's also - another typical feature.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- It wasn't a soldier who designed - this place but a cleric.
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- William of Corbeil.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- A baron and archbishop.
0:11:59 > 0:12:03- He was responsible - for the structural completion...
0:12:03 > 0:12:06- ..of Canterbury Cathedral.
0:12:08 > 0:12:12- He also erected Rochester Castle.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- His influence - can still be seen today.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- Stones from nearby quarries...
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- ..adorn the surface of the tower...
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- ..which has - a craggy and unstable appearance.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29- For the more intricate work...
0:12:29 > 0:12:32- ..on the corners - of the windows and doors...
0:12:32 > 0:12:36- ..William insisted on importing - stone from Caen in Normandy...
0:12:37 > 0:12:41- ..which explains - the yellow hue to the stone.
0:12:44 > 0:12:49- William's castle - combines strength and beauty...
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- ..on a massive scale.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57- As I stand - in the shade of the castle...
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- ..you can feel the place's - authority, even to this day.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04- Every stone eloquently announcing...
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- ..that this is a power house.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- And with its gleaming whitewash...
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- ..the walls of Rochester Castle - would declare that with clarity...
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- ..to everyone - who lived in its shadow.
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0:13:31 > 0:13:37- The Normans, Europe's most ferocious - conquerors of the Middle Ages.
0:13:39 > 0:13:44- To dominate their new territories, - they had a new, powerful weapon.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- The castle.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- And the next target - Wales.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- A mere quarter of a century...
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- ..after William the Conqueror - seized the English crown...
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- ..the Normans had completed - the Great Tower of Chepstow Castle.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- Now, the paths to the South Wales - coastline were open to them.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15- Soon, - there was a chain of castles...
0:14:15 > 0:14:19- ..extending - from Cardiff to Kidwelly...
0:14:19 > 0:14:21- ..and as far as Pembroke - in the west.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- There were dozens of castles - in the Welsh Marches...
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- ..and into South Wales.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33- There are more castles there - than anywhere else in Europe.
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- Very quickly, - the Norman barons came to power...
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- ..by building castles - along the Welsh Marches...
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- ..or Marchia Wallia, - to use its Latin name.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- It was far more difficult - to conquer Pura Wallia...
0:14:48 > 0:14:50- ..pure Wales.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55- It would take two centuries - before the Welsh princes...
0:14:55 > 0:14:57- ..would yield the highlands.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04- In the meantime, the Welsh - were prepared to attack the Marches.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- That's why the barons - had to erect so many castles there.
0:15:09 > 0:15:15- They built motte-and-bailey castles - and regularly built stone castles.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- It changed the landscape completely.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- It was a tradition - that the Welsh gradually emulated.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- The main emulator was Rhys - ap Gruffudd, Prince of Deheubarth.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- It was his choice - to erect castles...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- ..on sites - such as that of Carreg Cennen.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40- The Lord Rhys was a young man...
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- ..although he was - shrewd and observant.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- He studied - the techniques of the barons...
0:15:46 > 0:15:48- ..and used them against foreigners.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- He used horses to move men quickly - across the territory.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54- He valued the castle's worth.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- Not only - did he manage to beat them...
0:15:58 > 0:16:02- ..he also earned their respect - and inherited a title from them.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- Ustus Deheudir Cymru.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12- The Lord Rhys thwarted - the Normans' victorious procession.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18- He used the oppressors' - secret weapon, the castle...
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- ..to stop them.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23- Rhys was a 15-year-old...
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- ..based in a barracks - in Llansteffan in the 1140s.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29- He already had military experience.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- When he later - became Prince of Deheubarth...
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- ..he seized the castles - from the Normans...
0:16:36 > 0:16:38- ..and he and his sons built castles.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- Carreg Cennen, Dinefwr, - Dryslwyn and so on.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- In Cardigan, - he seized the town and the castle...
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- ..and held what we would call - an eisteddfod nowadays.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- A large festival to demonstrate - his successes and status.
0:16:56 > 0:17:01- He was a pragmatist and open - to new influences and ideas.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- He was willing to work with - the Normans. He also emulated them.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- He saw that fighting was difficult.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- Being able to withstand the Normans - in the long-term was unlikely.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- A century later, it was - the turn of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd...
0:17:25 > 0:17:29- ..to challenge the English kings - by playing a dangerous game.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- It was his father - who erected Dolbadarn Castle...
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- ..to defend the paths - towards the heart of Snowdonia.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45- Now it was Llywelyn who was using - the castle to highlight his power.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- This circular tower which reflects - the landscape around him...
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- ..clearly states, - "We own this place."
0:17:53 > 0:17:57- And not only Gwynedd - but the whole of Wales.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04- Llywelyn was confident enough to - strike a deal with the English king.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- In September 1267...
0:18:08 > 0:18:13- ..Llywelyn travelled to a ford - across a river on the border...
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- ..to meet Henry III.
0:18:20 > 0:18:25- The outcome - a formal agreement - between Wales and England.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- The Treaty of Montgomery.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34- This allowed Llywelyn to keep - his power and influence in Wales...
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- ..as long as he paid homage - to the King of England.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- Strongholds such as Castell y Bere - were essential to his plans...
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- ..to rule the entire country.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47- These castles...
0:18:47 > 0:18:51- ..were usually erected - in mountainous regions...
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- ..in order to use the landscape.
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- They were used - as much internally as externally...
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- ..not so much - to keep the English out.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- It was rare to see an English army - in Gwynedd during that time.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- It was more likely to see - numerous armies within Gwynedd.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Compare them with Caernarfon - and they look small...
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- ..but before erecting Caernarfon...
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- ..they were very imposing.
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- They were constructed - intricately and carefully.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- Some of the stonemasonry...
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- ..is very artistic and intricate.
0:19:35 > 0:19:40- But Llywelyn yearned for something - more than his reign over Wales...
0:19:41 > 0:19:45- ..by trying to occupy Norman - territories in the Welsh Marches.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51- A young Norman baron - called Gilbert de Clare...
0:19:51 > 0:19:55- ..is willing to break new ground - to meet his threat.
0:19:56 > 0:20:01- In Caerphilly, he changes the course - of the river to create ditches...
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- ..to encircle the castle.
0:20:04 > 0:20:09- It's part of an audacious plan to - build the biggest castle in Europe.
0:20:09 > 0:20:12- This was - the first castle in Britain...
0:20:13 > 0:20:18- ..to include inner walls - within the external defensive walls.
0:20:19 > 0:20:23- The sheer scale of Caerphilly Castle - is still astounding today.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29- What's easy to forget - is how revolutionary...
0:20:29 > 0:20:32- ..Gilbert's design was at the time.
0:20:32 > 0:20:38- It was his vision to create obstacle - upon obstacle upon obstacle...
0:20:38 > 0:20:40- ..to keep the enemy at bay.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46- If attackers got through one door...
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- ..another awaited them.
0:20:48 > 0:20:53- If they crossed the bridge, they'd - face an impenetrable portcullis...
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- ..and another set of doors.
0:20:56 > 0:21:00- The castle's defenders could shoot - at the enemy from the turrets...
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- ..and on top of the walls.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08- As well as this, - the castle's moat...
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- ..housed trebuchets...
0:21:11 > 0:21:15- ..whilst thwarting any attempt - to storm the castle.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- It was an incredible design...
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- ..which kept the boldest enemy away.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26- But how on earth was it possible...
0:21:27 > 0:21:29- ..to erect - such a huge fortification?
0:21:34 > 0:21:36- A large workforce was essential...
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- ..to transport the materials - to the site and work there.
0:21:44 > 0:21:46- Everything needed to be in order.
0:21:47 > 0:21:51- They key figure - in Gilbert's project...
0:21:51 > 0:21:54- ..was his principal stonemason.
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- As a modern-day architect, - he's the one...
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- ..who designs the building, - and as the walls are erected...
0:22:05 > 0:22:10- ..he's the one who solves - practical problems which may arise.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- He's a craftsman himself...
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- ..so he understands - how other craftsmen work.
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- He's a competent - military engineer...
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- ..and contracts his fellow workers.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Under the chief stonemason...
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- ..are the all-important carvers...
0:22:35 > 0:22:38- ..who carve the stone.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- It's their meticulous work...
0:22:41 > 0:22:43- ..that pushes the project forward.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- By combining their skills and the - vision of the master stonemason...
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- ..the castle is ready to inhabit - in less than three years...
0:23:06 > 0:23:10- ..despite Llywelyn's efforts - to deter them.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15- De Clare's workers...
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- ..deserve - every penny of their wages.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23- Their outstanding workmanship - will stand the test of time.
0:23:25 > 0:23:31- A masterpiece of design, - hard labour and craftsmanship.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- It's a definite blow...
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- ..to Llywelyn's aspirations - of ruling over the entire nation.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46- However, his battle wasn't over yet.
0:23:48 > 0:23:48- .
0:23:52 > 0:23:52- Subtitles
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- 1277.
0:23:57 > 0:24:02- The sun is setting - on the era of Welsh princes.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09- A new king reigns in England.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- Edward I, Edward Longshanks.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- He has an ambitious plan...
0:24:19 > 0:24:21- ..to build a ring of castles...
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- ..along the coastline - of North Wales.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- Edward is an energetic - and pugnacious king...
0:24:28 > 0:24:32- ..who's keen - to leave his mark on Britain.
0:24:38 > 0:24:42- But when Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, - the Prince of Wales...
0:24:42 > 0:24:44- ..refuses to pay homage to him...
0:24:45 > 0:24:47- ..Edward deploys 15,000 soldiers...
0:24:48 > 0:24:51- ..to threaten him into submission.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Llywelyn ap Gruffudd's - biggest problem...
0:24:56 > 0:24:58- ..was the fact that Edward I...
0:24:58 > 0:25:01- ..was the unyielding - King of England.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- The conflict rages on.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09- For a time, Llywelyn manages - to retain his grip on Gwynedd.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- Llywelyn has his own castles...
0:25:14 > 0:25:18- ..but these fail - to keep him completely secure.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20- Among his own people...
0:25:20 > 0:25:24- ..Llywelyn wasn't as popular - as we'd expect him to be.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- One of the reasons was because he'd - been fighting against Edward I...
0:25:30 > 0:25:34- ..for a number of years, Llywelyn - had been taxing his people.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36- He'd been hard on his subjects.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- His kingdom's foundations - were starting to shake...
0:25:42 > 0:25:44- ..and there's worse to come.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- In 1282, during childbirth...
0:25:48 > 0:25:51- ..Llywelyn's wife, Eleanor, dies.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59- Without a male heir - and without much hope...
0:25:59 > 0:26:02- ..our last prince - joins his brother...
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- ..in an open revolt - against the English.
0:26:11 > 0:26:13- Llywelyn was dead within a month.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22- A new poverty swept the territory...
0:26:22 > 0:26:26- ..as every Welsh home and castle...
0:26:26 > 0:26:28- ..grieved wildly for him.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30- The home fires were cold.
0:26:36 > 0:26:38- Ruins echo our history.
0:26:38 > 0:26:42- This structure - has a real sense of longing.
0:26:42 > 0:26:45- Llywelyn Fawr - erected Castell y Bere...
0:26:45 > 0:26:48- ..and this was Gwynedd's - headquarters for decades...
0:26:49 > 0:26:53- ..until Edward, with - his desire and power, seized it.
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- Though the Welsh had regrouped...
0:26:56 > 0:26:59- ..Llywelyn Ein Llyw Olaf was dead.
0:26:59 > 0:27:04- The age of the princes, the - Welsh princes, had come to an end.
0:27:08 > 0:27:13- Not for everyone, perhaps, - but for many of the chief poets...
0:27:13 > 0:27:17- ..losing Llywelyn - marked the end of everything.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- They continued writing poetry - about the end of the world.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- The most famous elegy is a poem - by Gruffudd ab Yr Ynad Coch...
0:27:25 > 0:27:30- ..which refers to the death - of Llywelyn as the apocalypse.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40- The trees collide with each other.
0:27:41 > 0:27:43- The sea swallows the land.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45- The stars fall.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49- Gruffudd ab yr Ynad Coch asks, - "How can life continue?
0:27:49 > 0:27:52- "Isn't the world coming to an end?"
0:27:53 > 0:27:55- And if the end was nigh...
0:27:55 > 0:27:59- ..there was nowhere - for the natives to take refuge...
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- ..not even - in the mountains of Snowdonia.
0:28:06 > 0:28:10- At one time, hill-country like this - and remote rocks...
0:28:11 > 0:28:13- ..kept the Welsh safe.
0:28:13 > 0:28:18- But following Llywelyn's death, - there was nowhere for them to flee.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23- Even after the English conquered, - they didn't build fewer castles...
0:28:23 > 0:28:28- ..they built more, many of which - were oppressive fortifications.
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- Edward had - already built large castles...
0:28:32 > 0:28:34- ..to keep the Welsh in their place.
0:28:34 > 0:28:39- Now he sets about - encircling them completely.
0:28:39 > 0:28:41- An iron ring.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- That was its nickname.
0:28:44 > 0:28:49- The most ambitious building project - in the whole of Europe...
0:28:49 > 0:28:51- ..during the Middle Ages.
0:28:51 > 0:28:56- To promote the venture, a formidable - headquarters was built in Conwy.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58- The king's office.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04- Seizing Wales - was a big thing for Edward I.
0:29:04 > 0:29:06- It took a lot of effort.
0:29:06 > 0:29:11- All his soldiers were deployed. - He wanted to show his importance.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16- That's why he erected the castles. - They are huge.
0:29:16 > 0:29:21- They were unlike anything else - seen in Wales at the time.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29- It took an ingenious architect...
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- ..to realize Edward's dream.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- This is the man for the job.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39- Edward had met him...
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- ..after his return - from the Crusades.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- Now, James from Saint George - comes to Wales...
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- ..as the master mason - of the king's work.
0:29:51 > 0:29:55- Master James' unique - architectural signature...
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- ..can be seen - on all of Edward's castles.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04- But, of course, he wasn't - solely responsible for all the work.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- Many accomplished craftsmen...
0:30:07 > 0:30:10- ..came to work - alongside Master James.
0:30:11 > 0:30:14- His military engineer, - Bertrand de Saltu.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18- His principal carpenter, - Philip Senta.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25- And Stephen the Painter, - his chief decorative artist.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- All the locations identified - had one thing in common.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32- They were all situated by the sea.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34- If the rebellious Welsh...
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- ..blockaded them by land...
0:30:38 > 0:30:42- ..Edward could ship in men - to any of his castles...
0:30:43 > 0:30:45- ..to lift any potential siege.
0:30:45 > 0:30:50- That was true of Conwy Castle - and further west in Caernarfon.
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- The last castle to be built - was Beaumaris.
0:30:55 > 0:31:00- An impenetrable fortification - of concentric walls.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- Work began on Harlech...
0:31:09 > 0:31:11- ..in April 1283.
0:31:12 > 0:31:14- This is beautiful architecture.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19- An attractive image - befitting any marketing campaign...
0:31:19 > 0:31:22- ..to attract 21st-century visitors.
0:31:25 > 0:31:28- At the end - of a balmy summer's day...
0:31:28 > 0:31:31- ..this place - is like a picture postcard...
0:31:31 > 0:31:35- ..with the mountains - providing a dramatic backdrop.
0:31:35 > 0:31:38- Imagine the scene - after it had been newly built.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- It tamed the landscape and anyone - who dared to walk through it.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- Today the castle faces westwards...
0:31:48 > 0:31:51- ..over acres of land - that was once sea.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00- Back then, it stood - directly above the shoreline.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07- It was possible for Edward's army - to reach Harlech from the sea.
0:32:09 > 0:32:12- Building - in these surroundings was a feat.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14- Dense walls...
0:32:15 > 0:32:19- ..a secure path - to reach the sea below.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23- High towers and ramparts.
0:32:26 > 0:32:30- All this had to be constructed - on remote land...
0:32:30 > 0:32:33- ..under - the hostile eye of the Welsh.
0:32:37 > 0:32:41- We all know the problems - of building work on our homes...
0:32:41 > 0:32:46- ..but when the project is large, - the complexities multiply too...
0:32:46 > 0:32:48- ..causing things to go awry.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- Edward had an enormous workforce.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54- 950 men here in Harlech.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59- But a strict regime was needed to - ensure the work would be completed.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27- By bringing - a large workforce together...
0:33:27 > 0:33:30- ..Master James - faced the kind of dilemma...
0:33:31 > 0:33:35- ..that's familiar to anyone - who's hired a builder nowadays.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- How did they control the cost?
0:33:39 > 0:33:41- Master James - was under grave pressure...
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- ..to justify - every inch of his budget.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47- Edward's beady eye...
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- ..watched his every move.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- Nobody wanted to anger Longshanks.
0:33:55 > 0:34:00- Master James once wrote to the king, - stating, "In case you wondered...
0:34:00 > 0:34:04- "..how so much money - can disappear in a week...
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- "..I'd like you to understand - that we need 400 stonemasons...
0:34:08 > 0:34:11- "..2,000 labourers, 100 carts...
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- "..60 wagons...
0:34:14 > 0:34:17- "..30 boats...
0:34:17 > 0:34:20- "..200 quarrymen, 30 blacksmiths...
0:34:20 > 0:34:23- "..and on top of that, carpenters."
0:34:31 > 0:34:35- It's hard to imagine - how many resources, how many men...
0:34:35 > 0:34:37- ..how much money - was needed to do this.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42- Edward had to borrow money from - European bankers to fund the build.
0:34:42 > 0:34:46- He employed thousands of men - to clear forests...
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- ..and build secure paths so - that resources could be imported.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53- He transformed Gwynedd.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58- The king insisted - on seeing detailed records...
0:34:59 > 0:35:01- ..and costings for every item...
0:35:01 > 0:35:06- ..as rivers of money flowed - into Wales to pay the workforce.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12- And, of course, - as well as the high labour costs...
0:35:12 > 0:35:15- ..he had to pay for - a mountain of materials.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19- Lime and stone - from Anglesey and Caernarfon...
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- ..were dragged across land - by horse and cart...
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- ..or imported by sea.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30- Lead from Bristol, iron from - the Midlands and wood from Flint.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33- A global shopping list.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36- It was enough to bankrupt a king...
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- ..which he narrowly avoided.
0:35:39 > 0:35:45- Edward had to empty his coffers - and beg Parliament for more money.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49- If London was surprised - at the king's demands...
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- ..it was nothing compared to - the after effects locally.
0:35:54 > 0:36:00- You have to imagine substantial - numbers of men coming to Gwynedd...
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- ..to build these castles - over a matter of decades.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07- It would've taken - considerable time to erect them.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12- They would've been something that - transformed society and the economy.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- They weren't only castles, - towns accompanied them.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- It differed - from the age of the princes...
0:36:19 > 0:36:22- ..who kept administration separate.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26- It was different for the English - who built these castles.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28- They needed a secure presence...
0:36:28 > 0:36:31- ..and needed to be able - to protect themselves.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34- Towns and castles went hand in hand.
0:36:36 > 0:36:38- The castle had to be solid...
0:36:38 > 0:36:41- ..but beautiful at the same time.
0:36:41 > 0:36:46- A fortress and a home to the king - and his court, from time to time.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51- Craftsmen - were given an opportunity to shine.
0:36:56 > 0:37:00- And you couldn't live in style...
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- ..without the carpenters' input.
0:37:03 > 0:37:07- Luckily, there were plenty - of forests available locally.
0:37:10 > 0:37:15- Large scaffolding was required - to work on every wall...
0:37:15 > 0:37:20- ..not to mention the intricate - wooden fretwork inside.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- Laying floors for a high tower...
0:37:28 > 0:37:31- ..was a feat in itself.
0:37:45 > 0:37:49- The final touches were decorative.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53- In order to create - intricate patterns...
0:37:54 > 0:37:56- ..artists used stencils...
0:37:56 > 0:38:00- ..and traced shapes on pieces - of paper to create an outline...
0:38:01 > 0:38:04- ..on the surface - of the material underneath.
0:38:21 > 0:38:25- Rarely did a Welshman see - the inside of the completed halls...
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- ..and chambers...
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- ..or an English labourer, - come to that.
0:38:32 > 0:38:36- But Master James understood - their importance to the king.
0:38:36 > 0:38:41- He boasted about their charm to - the court's barons and aristocrats.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45- Might and meticulous planning.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- Both are on display - here in Harelch Castle.
0:38:49 > 0:38:52- The place claims authority - over land and see.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- Edward was strict and surly...
0:38:57 > 0:39:01- ..but all the hard labour - that went in to Harlech pleased him.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04- In 1290...
0:39:04 > 0:39:08- ..Master James was appointed - Constable of Harlech Castle.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11- What better reward - for an architect...
0:39:12 > 0:39:16- ..than to live in the portcullis - that he himself erected?
0:39:17 > 0:39:17- .
0:39:19 > 0:39:19- Subtitles
0:39:19 > 0:39:21- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:39:24 > 0:39:28- One of Edward Longshanks' castles - in North Wales...
0:39:28 > 0:39:32- ..is different from the others, and - there's a simple reason for that.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36- Caernarfon - was meant to be not only a fort...
0:39:36 > 0:39:39- ..but a palace for the king himself.
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- There was a concerted effort - to fuse Caernarfon...
0:39:46 > 0:39:51- ..and its old Roman history and - one of the Empire's main cities...
0:39:51 > 0:39:54- ..namely Fort of Constantine.
0:39:54 > 0:39:58- Legend has it that Constantine's - successor, Macsen Wledig...
0:39:58 > 0:40:03- ..found the princess of his dreams - here, on the banks of the Seiont.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07- This isn't - a plain and simple castle.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11- A stripe - runs along the brick walls...
0:40:11 > 0:40:14- ..which is meant to - emulate the Fort of Constantine...
0:40:14 > 0:40:17- ..the perfect legendary kingdom.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- Edward is showing that he's arrived - and that he intends to stay.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- No-one will seize these castles - without a fight.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29- It's a very visual symbol - of the conquest.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33- Did the castle's workmanship - represent a symbol of power...
0:40:33 > 0:40:37- ..rather than any practical use?
0:40:37 > 0:40:41- I wanted to hear the opinion - of local architect Selwyn Jones...
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- ..about the king's intentions - and those of Master James.
0:40:46 > 0:40:51- There was no need to construct such - a substantial castle at the time.
0:40:51 > 0:40:57- No, because when construction began, - Wales had already been conquered.
0:40:57 > 0:41:01- This castle - is completely different...
0:41:01 > 0:41:06- ..from the other three castles - in Beaumaris, Conwy and Harlech.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- Maybe they were thinking, - "What else can we do?"
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- They knew the Romans had been here.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- They were aware of the town's - significance and of Macsen Wledig.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21- They claim that Macsen Wledig - was the son of Constantine.
0:41:21 > 0:41:25- Was it Edward or Master James - who knew of these connections?
0:41:26 > 0:41:30- Were they creating a fortification - for a new emperor?
0:41:30 > 0:41:35- Perhaps Edward himself - saw himself as an emperor.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39- Or was Master James trying - to please his client by saying...
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- .."This is what - I've created for you."
0:41:46 > 0:41:51- For Edward, Caernarfon - was a very significant castle.
0:41:51 > 0:41:56- He went to great lengths to - make sure that his wife, Eleanor...
0:41:57 > 0:41:59- ..gave birth - to his son and heir here...
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- ..in 1284.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13- It was an opportunity - to stage a colourful scene...
0:42:14 > 0:42:16- ..of political theatre.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25- According to legend, - the Welsh nobility...
0:42:25 > 0:42:27- ..longed for a new prince...
0:42:28 > 0:42:31- ..to lead them after the - death of Llywelyn Ein Llyw Olaf.
0:42:32 > 0:42:36- Edward - presents his own baby to them.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- A prince - born in a castle in Wales...
0:42:41 > 0:42:43- ..with no concept of English.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54- The tradition of investing the heir- - apparent to the English crown...
0:42:55 > 0:42:57- ..as the prince of Wales...
0:42:57 > 0:42:59- ..continues to this day.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03- I, Charles, Prince of Wales...
0:43:03 > 0:43:06- ..do become - your liege man of life and limb.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09- It was Edward's aim - to intimidate the Welsh...
0:43:09 > 0:43:11- ..by erecting the castle.
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- 700 years later, - it's impossible to ignore...
0:43:16 > 0:43:20- ..the old history, - or indeed, the most recent.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23- It's a splendid structure - and it's typical...
0:43:23 > 0:43:27- ..in terms of its architecture, - but for a Welsh architect...
0:43:27 > 0:43:30- ..who lives here and speaks Welsh...
0:43:30 > 0:43:32- ..it's a complex symbol.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35- Most certainly, - and I have mixed feelings.
0:43:36 > 0:43:38- Some people I know...
0:43:38 > 0:43:42- ..wouldn't put - a foot through the door here.
0:43:43 > 0:43:47- In a way, what we're - standing on here is also a symbol...
0:43:47 > 0:43:53- ..of how a fortification - has been used in the 1960s...
0:43:53 > 0:43:55- ..for a political purpose.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07- Having said that, - what I'm proud of...
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- ..is the fact that the town - of Caernarfon has been reclaimed.
0:44:12 > 0:44:17- The Welsh - have taken over Caernarfon...
0:44:17 > 0:44:23- ..and I'm proud that it's one of - the Welshest towns in the world.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26- Beyond the castle walls...
0:44:26 > 0:44:30- ..Edward - created a borough for the English.
0:44:33 > 0:44:37- These days, - no-one can dispute its Welshness.
0:44:41 > 0:44:45- Is it time for us too to accept - the castle as part of our heritage?
0:44:51 > 0:44:56- Caernarfon Castle - is undoubtedly a royal stronghold.
0:44:56 > 0:45:00- But as is true of every castle...
0:45:00 > 0:45:03- ..ordinary folk - share in its history too.
0:45:07 > 0:45:12- In this episode, we've seen the - castle develop within two centuries.
0:45:12 > 0:45:15- From the original - motte-and-bailey...
0:45:15 > 0:45:19- ..to something far more complicated, - powerful and mighty.
0:45:22 > 0:45:26- The ingenuity and perseverance - needed to erect a castle...
0:45:27 > 0:45:29- ..have come to the fore.
0:45:29 > 0:45:34- For that, praise is often attributed - to the barons and the kings.
0:45:37 > 0:45:41- The castle was also the backbone - of the feudal system...
0:45:42 > 0:45:46- ..which is anathema - to the spirit of our democratic age.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52- But understood - in a different light...
0:45:53 > 0:45:58- ..the castle has left a remarkable - record of craftsmanship and labour.
0:46:01 > 0:46:05- For the work - of thousands of people...
0:46:06 > 0:46:10- ..they had no more to take pride in - than the work itself.
0:46:13 > 0:46:18- After all, who's truly responsible - for the castle's grandeur?
0:46:18 > 0:46:20- The Normans?
0:46:22 > 0:46:24- The Welsh princes?
0:46:27 > 0:46:29- Or the castle builders?
0:46:32 > 0:46:36- These days, it's hard to understand - how hard graft and vision...
0:46:36 > 0:46:39- ..combine to create a castle.
0:46:39 > 0:46:43- But as we try to understand - the castle today...
0:46:43 > 0:46:46- ..we have to accept, - like the kings of old...
0:46:46 > 0:46:49- ..the craftsman's authority.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04- In the next episode, we'll see - the great castles of Europe...
0:47:05 > 0:47:06- ..under siege.
0:47:08 > 0:47:10- Can the work - of the castle builders...
0:47:10 > 0:47:14- ..withstand the onslaught it faces - from the force of arms?
0:47:55 > 0:47:57- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:47:57 > 0:47:57- .