Rhuddlan, which was not completed until 1282, was built concurrently with Flint Castle, at a time when King Edward I of England was consolidating his conquest of Wales.

It has a unique 'diamond' in layout as the gatehouses are positioned at the corners of the square baileys instead of along the sides like at Flint, Harlech or Beaumaris.

Its purpose was to allow provisions and troops to reach the castle even if hostile forces or a siege prevented overland travel.

Rhuddlan's strategic position ensured that it was fought over by the Princes of Gwynedd and the Earls of Chester, with Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, who had been driven out by Harold Godwinson,[4] re-taking the town.

[6] Three months later the town was ceded to the English Crown following the Treaty of Aberconwy between Llywelyn ap Gruffudd and Edward I.

Edward I could now appoint Royal officials such as sheriffs, constables and bailiffs to collect taxes and enforce English law throughout Wales.

Although the statute brought in English legislation, Welsh law continued to be practised at local level after the conquest of the Wales.

It remained in English hands and was one of the places where King Richard II of England stopped in 1399 on his way to Flint, where he would be taken prisoner by his rival, Henry IV.

Rhuddlan Castle was again garrisoned by Royalist troops during the English Civil War, and remained a stronghold of King Charles I of England until well after the Battle of Naseby, being taken by Parliamentary forces under Thomas Mytton after a siege in 1646.

[7] Rhuddlan Castle is managed by Cadw, a Welsh government body with the mission to protect, conserve and promote the building heritage of Wales.