Carnarvon

Carnarvon (Caer-yn-ar-Fon, 'fort opposite Mon or Anglesey'), a parliamentary and municipal borough and seaport in North Wales, the capital of Carnarvonshire, stands near the south end of the Menai Strait, on the right bank of the Seiont, 69 miles W. of Chester. Carnarvon has a castle situated at the west end of the town, the building of which was commenced by Edward I. in 1283. It is one of the noblest ruins in the kingdom, the walls, which are 7 to 9 feet thick, being still entire, and inclosing an oblong of three acres. There are thirteen embattled towers, with five, six, or eight sides, and surmounted by turrets. The gateway under the great square tower has four portcullises. The town itself was once surrounded by walls and round towers. These walls, with several of the gates, still exist, but are now within the town. Carnarvon unites with Pwllheli, Nevin, Criccieth, Conway, and Bangor in returning one member to parliament. The harbour admits ships of 400 tons. The chief exports are slates, stones, and ores. There are also iron and brass foundries. Carnarvon is a bathing-place, and is much frequented by tourists on account of its vicinity to the grandest scenery in North Wales, and its very convenient railway connections. Pop. (1881) 10,237; (1891) 9804. Half a mile from Carnarvon are the remains, covering seven acres, of Segontium, or Caer Seiont, a Roman station or city. Gold, silver, and copper coins and ornaments, and other Roman relics, have been found here. There is a Roman fort on the left bank of the Seiont, still almost complete, with walls 11 feet high, and 6 feet thick. Carnarvon was the seat of the native princes of North Wales down to 873. In 1284 was born here the first Anglo-Norman Prince of Wales, afterwards the unhappy Edward II. In 1294 the town and castle were burned, and the English inhabitants massacred by the Welsh under Madoc, the illegitimate son of Llewelyn, a native prince of Wales. From the Twt Hill (190 feet) near the town there is a fine view of Snowdon and the island of Anglesey.