History of Conwy

<p>The story of the town of Conwy in North Wales from its origin as a monastery founded in an uninhabited location to the present day.<br />Edward I saw the strategic potential of the location as it controlled the estuary of the Conwy river so founded a castle with its associated English settlement.<br />The colourful story includes the betrayal of Richard II the audacious hijacking of the castle on April Fool's Day 1401 and a Royalist Archbishop who helped the Roundheads in taking the town and castle.<br />Travel and transport are another major theme for the town's history being a port and also a vital link for travellers across North Wales who needed to cross the river.<br />While the castle and the town walls are an obvious attraction being a World Heritage Site the medieval Aberconwy House and the Elizabethan Plas Mawr are also a must for history buffs.</p>