Beaumaris was the last of Edward I's 'iron ring' of castles along the North Wales coast.

Technically perfect and constructed to an ingenious 'walls within walls' plan, it was the 13th century high-tech equivalent of a spaceship landing unceremoniously on Anglesey today.

Beaumaris Castle was taken by Welsh forces in 1403 during the Owain Glyndŵr rebellion but recaptured by royal forces in 1405. Following the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the castle was held by forces loyal to Charles I, holding out until 1646 when it surrendered to the Parliamentary armies.

Despite forming part of a local royalist rebellion in 1648 the castle escaped slighting and was garrisoned by parliament, but fell into ruin around 1660, eventually forming part of a local stately home and park in the 19th century.

In the 21st century the ruined castle is managed by Cadw as a tourist attraction.