Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 7.djvu/346

 246 CAERNARVON CASTLE. of erection will, therefore, be the two chief ones of entrance, and those two to their east and west. The change observable in the construction fully accords with the language of the document, and offers most satisfactory testimony to the value of architectural induction, strengthened as it is here by the contents of the records themselves. Thus, then, we find a portion of the northern side of the Castle in process of erection during the 23rd year of Edward I. ; part of it had reached the height of ten feet, and another portion had risen to twenty-four. It was in this gradual manner that the present noble pile was constructed, whilst the thick and solid walls, and its many- sided towers, grew by degrees, as the funds could be procured for their prosecution ; which, as we ascertain from another document helping to fix the assignment of the foregoing date, must have been very heavy, since 429 men were employed weekly during the months of June and July.^ On the 26th of December, in the 23rd year of his reign, Edward visited Conway, and staid there until the 6th of January, when he went to Bangor till the 19th. He then returned to the former place, where he made a lengthened visit until the 7th of April : passed the 9th and 10th again at Bangor. From the 12th of April to the 6th of May he was at Llammays in Anglesey. He then proceeded to Dolgelly, Towyn, Cardigan, Merthyr, Brecon, Pool, and Chirk, to Conway again, which he reached after this pleasant tour on the 30th of June. He remained at Conway till the 5th of July, was at Bangor on the 6th, and finally reached Caernarvon on the 7tli. Having spent four days here, and having inspected the various military erections completed since liis former visit, he took his last survey of this important key to his recently acquired dominions, and left the country by way of Denbigh, Worcester, &c., reaching Westminster at the end of the month. This was the latest period he had an opportunity of beholding the Castle of Caernarvon. With its plan he was no doubt fully acquainted, but he did not reign long enough to witness the completion of his grand undertaking, nor to see that glorious tower, capped Avith its imperial eagle, rise to its present height, which lifts its hoary battlements ^ Compotus '2:} Edw. I., Carltou Ride.