A town was planned at the base of the castle, but this was abandoned after a fire broke out in September 1283 when both Edward and Eleanor were present.

Built on the south west corner of a steep hill near the Anglo-Welsh border, Caergwrle Castle has views which extend far into Cheshire.

[3] There are two styles which appear in the masonry, with the most elaborate work taking place near the residential areas of the castle and on the exterior portions.

[4] Historians suspect that the west wall and majority of the south tower was removed through those means, as it would have been easier to take apart and roll down the steep hill than other parts of the castle.

[5] Prior to the current castle, of which ruins remain, there is thought to have been a hill fort at the site dating from either the late Roman/post Roman period.

[6] Construction of the castle began in 1277, after King Edward I of England gave the lordship of Hope to Dafydd ap Gruffydd as reward for his service in the wars against the Welsh which concluded earlier that year.

Edward himself was thought to have been present for a couple of days prior to 6 July to instruct the architect James of Saint George in the reconstruction efforts.

A number of wooden buildings are referring to as having been constructed at this point, including a chapel, a bakehouse and several offices for clerks.

The intention was to allow English settlers to reside there, but an accidental fire in the castle occurred on 27 August while Edward and Eleanor were in attendance.

It has been doubted by historians that any repairs were made, as after John's death, it was given to Edward, the Black Prince, who noted that the walls and towers were in ruin and no housing was present.