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Castell y Bere

WLS Wales · 13th century

Castell y Bere in Wales
Photo: Llywelyn2000 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Castell y Bere is a Welsh castle near Llanfihangel-y-pennant in Gwynedd, Wales. Constructed by Llywelyn the Great in the 1220s, the stone castle was intended to maintain his authority over the local people and to defend the south-west part of the princedom of Gwynedd. In 1282, war with Edward I of England resulted in the death of Llywelyn's grandson, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, and Castell y Bere fell to English forces. Edward I expanded the castle further and established a small town beside it. In 1294 the Welsh leader Madog ap Llywelyn mounted a major revolt and the castle was besieged and apparently burnt. Edward did not repair it and it became ruined. Today it is in the hands of Cadw and operated as a tourist attraction.

Text adapted from “Castell y Bere” on Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Castell y Bere ranks #2,475 of 7,738 worldwide in the atlas's castle fame ranking, and #40 of the 100 mapped in Wales. Founded 1221, it is older than 75% of the atlas's dated landmarks — one of 825 atlas entries founded in the 13th century. Its Wikipedia articles were opened 1,183 times in the last 60 days, more than 53% of the atlas. 2 more atlas landmarks stand within 25 km. The nearest day-trip guide is Wrexham, 79 km away. See how Wales compares in the castle statistics.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Castell y Bere?

Castell y Bere stands in Wales, at 52.65826°, -3.97107°.

When was Castell y Bere built?

The atlas dates its founding to 1221. Earlier structures may have stood on the site; this is the earliest documented founding year.

How famous is Castell y Bere?

In this atlas's fame ranking: #2,475 of 7,738 worldwide, and #40 in Wales. Fame here combines how many Wikipedia language editions cover a landmark with how many people read them.

What is the nearest castle to Castell y Bere?

Aberdyfi Castle, about 12 km away.

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