Caerphilly Castle
This massive 'sleeping giant' of a castle effortlessly dominates the town of Caerphilly. The fortress sprawls over a huge area - 30 acres in all - making it easily the biggest in Wales and, along with Windsor and Dover, the largest in Britain. Caerphilly, built in the late 13th century by the Anglo-Norman lord Gilbert de Clare, is a supreme example of the concentric 'walls within walls' system of defence.
But water, as well as stone, played a crucial role here. In addition to four formidable gatehouses there are outstanding water defences - which include lakes and three artificial islands - making Caerphilly almost impregnable to siege warfare. The castle is famous for its 'leaning tower', and has a fascinating display of working replica siege engines.
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