Chirk Castle

The castle was built in 1295 by Roger Mortimer de Chirk, uncle of Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March as part of King Edward I's chain of fortresses across the north of Wales. It guards the entrance to the Ceiriog Valley. The castle was a symbol of English power and might, controlling the border and it dominated the surrounding land.

When first constructed it was a military fortress, apparently important enough for King Edward I to pay a personal visit during its construction. The location of Chirk Castle was carefully chosen to maximise its defensive capabilities. Constructed on a rocky escarpment at the head of the Ceiriog valley, the castle was also able to control the neighbouring Dee Valley and trade along the border. Chirk Castle had the most up-to-date defences for the time, with round 'drum' towers that allowed archers a wide firing field and created a 'killing zone' where the fields of fire overlapped.

Information from Wikipedia, and The National Trust.

We actually visited here to follow the snowdrop walk.