Conwy became a well established town because of it’s ideal location. There is a narrowing in the river to cross easier, elevated positions to the side of the river, and a good spot for trade.
The Manor is located outside the town walls of Conwy, just a short drive out from the castle in the grounds of Gorse Hill Lodge and Caravan Park.
Where did it all start?
Conwy was originally founded in 1283 by an English King, King Edward I. This was just one of the chain of towns in North Wales he invaded to use as part of his defence. He had defeated the Welsh princes and wanted to permanently colonise North Wales.
A monastery had already set up in this location, but was ordered to leave. The monks moved up the river to Maenan, and the land was used to construct Conwy Castle and its town walls.
The Castle is the Star
Conwy castle is part of a collection of castles and walls which form the UNESCO World Heritage site. The others included are Beaumaris, Caernarfon, and Harlech. They are considered to be some of the best examples of Medieval military architecture in the whole of Europe.
The castles played an important part over the next few centuries, having a part to play in the rebellion by Owain Glyndwr against the English for Welsh independence, the War of the Roses and the English Civil War.
At the end of all that, in the 17th Century, you could imagine they weren’t in the best of shape. The castles became popular with artists in the late 18th Century, and eventually became tourist spots during the Victorian period.
Since then the walls have been restored, with the castle now being kept by a Welsh heritage agency named Cadw.
Making the Town Accessible
Conwy had always been a key location for trade and travel, but this wasn’t very easy. There was a ferry across the river that was unreliable, and potentially unsafe.
The suspension bridge was built in 1826 by none other than Thomas Telford. This granted access and crossing of the river for coaches, horses, and pedestrians. This became one of the main links in the UK to Ireland at the time.
A modern road-bridge that’s still in use today was put alongside the suspension bridge in 1958. You might even travel over it when you come to find us! This however, was insufficient to accommodate the ever increasing traffic which wanted to get through North Wales – hence the Conwy Tunnel being built. If you do wish to visit this historical Welsh town of Conwy, be sure to book a table or book a room at The Manor Conwy.
