Castell Dinas Bran is a mid 13th century stone keep and courtyard fortress, founded by the princes of Powys Fadog. Standing on top of a bank and ditched Iron Age hillfort, which overlooks the River Dee, the castle is defended by the steep slopes and an eastern and southern deep rock-cut ditch. A long rectangular courtyard, was encased by a curtain wall flanked by a D-shaped tower, a square keep and a gatehouse with flanking round towers. During the wars between Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales and King Edward I, the castle was burnt by the Welsh before it was captured in 1277 by Henry de Lacy, earl of Lincoln. Although the defences were still intact, this short lived castle was not repaired and when the lands were given to John de Warenne, earl of Surrey, he abandoned the site and built a new castle at Holt. 6 miles south-east is Chirk Castle and 10 miles north-east is Erddig Castle.