Rhuddlan Castle is a late 13th century stone concentric fortress, founded by King Edward I. Built in impressive symmetry, the dominating quadrilateral inner curtain walls are flanked on the angles, by massive opposing four storey twin towered gatehouses and round towers. A broad stone revetted moat, flanked by small buttresses and turrets, protects the narrow roughly concentric outer ward. The River Clwyd was canalized to give access from the sea and the defended water-gate and dock are still overlooked by the four storey Gillot's Tower. Successor to Twt Hill, the castle was in Royalist hands during the Civil War but was forced to capitulate in 1646, only to be slighted in 1648. 5 miles north-east is Prestatyn Castle. Picture © John Coxon