Question #15

"My construction began a "chain" reaction in north Wales and my walls witnessed much fighting in the wars between the Welsh and English. However, I am probably better known for my association with the last Plantagenet king of England. Like many castles in Wales I was "slighted" or ruined by Parliamentary forces following the English Civil War. What castle am I and can you explain my clues?"

Yes, the correct answer is FLINT CASTLE!

Flint was the first castle built by Edward I in his "iron ring" or "chain" of castles in north Wales used to encircle and subdue the Welsh. As the principal castle in northeast Wales, Flint saw its share of battles over the years. The castle was besieged by Dafydd ap Gruffydd in 1282, and another attempt to take the castle was made in 1294. In that incident the English constable of Flint purposely burned the castle and adjoining town to keep them from falling to the Welsh.

However, the castle's most famous moment occurred in 1399 when the ill-fated Plantagenet king Richard II surrendered to the forces of Henry Bolingbroke, the future king Henry IV. During the English Civil War, Flint was an important stronghold of the Royalists. Later the castle was slighted, or rendered inoperable, by the forces of the victorious Parliament.