Exploring Chirk Castle

After our last castle excursion, our expectations fell drastically. When we stumbled upon Chirk Castle later in the day, we weren’t sure what to expect and our enthusiasm had waned. Should we stop or should we continue on?

Of course we stopped! We were greeted enthusiastically at the entrance cottage. Then we took a van shuttle, with a very pleasant driver, to the entrance of Chirk Castle. So far, so good.

Roger Mortimer de Chirk built Chirk Castle in 1295 after he was awarded a grant from King Edward I for his role in the defeat of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in the Second War of Welsh Independence. Work on the castle continued for 15 years.

In 1322, Mortimer supported the failed rebellion of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London where he died several years later. His estates, including Chirk, were confiscated. His nephew, who was also imprisoned in the Tower, managed to escape and flee to France where he joined the King Edward’s estranged wife, Queen Isabella. Together with the rebel Queen’s supporters, they returned and overthrew the King. Chirk Castle was restored to Roger Mortimer the nephew, however he himself was overthrown and executed in 1330. Chirk once again reverted to the Crown. During those turbulent times where kings were often overthrown, Chirk Castle passed through several hands.

Chirk Castle was purchased in 1593 by Thomas Myddelton and it (loosely) remained in his family for 400 years. There was a brief stint during the English Civil War in which Chirk Castle was seized & bombarded by opposing forces, destroying the Guard, Bell Towers and eastern walls but for the most part it was the Myddelton home until 2004.

We were very pleasantly surprised to find more than a castle of portraits.