Caernarfon

Administrative centre of Gwynedd, north Wales, situated on the southwest shore of the Menai Strait; population (2001) 9,700. Formerly the Roman station of Segontium, it is now a market town, port, and tourist centre. Industries include the manufacture of plastics and metal-working. 88% of the population of Caernarfon is Welsh-speaking.

Caernarfon castle, one of the finest examples of medieval fortifications in the British Isles, lies to the west of the town. It was built by Edward I in 1284, and is a World Heritage Site. The first Prince of Wales (later Edward II) was born in Caernarfon Castle (1284). The castle was besieged by Owen Glendower in 1402. Edward VIII was invested in Caernarfon in 1911 and Prince Charles in 1969.

Caernarfon castle is an irregularly shaped building with 13 polygonal towers; the famous Eagle Tower was built by Edward II. A steam train runs on the Welsh Highland Railway, which dates from 1923 and was reopened in 1980, and departs from near the castle. Caernarfon's nautical history is told at the Caernarfon Seiont II Maritime Museum situated at Victoria Dock.