Harlech Castle: Wales' Mighty Medieval Fortress

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[@geographicstravel]

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[@That_Comic_Guy]

A very good video but there are a few inaccuracies. 1. The native Cymru had been fighting the Normans for 2 centuries not a few decades. 2. Cymru wasn't a land of just Principalities, it had its own Kingdoms. Gwynedd, Powys and Deheubarth being the largest and most powerful. Making Llewelyn the King of Gwynedd and Prince of all Wales. 3. The names are good attempts from a non Welsh speaker but Llewelyn is pronunced phonetically in English as Clu-well-in as Ll in Welsh is similar but not the same as a Cl sound in English. Dafydd is the Welsh version of David so its pronunced more like Dai-f-thh as dd is a prolonged th sound in Welsh. Owain Glyndŵr's surname is one word not two and pronunced like Oh-wine Glyn-do-wah. 4. Harlech played a much bigger role in Glyndŵr rebellion as it was his capital until fell a few years after he took it.

[@Inucroft]

this. Diolch

[@TimPerfetto]

@@Inucroft Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh bendithia duw innacuracies ac ymladd pobl oherwydd heb ymladd pobl beth fyddai'n rhaid i ni wneud felly duw bendithia duw am fod yn douche ohhhhh

[@lloyd9500]

Big up 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 thanks for this mate

[@welshman8954]

Every day when I wake up I thank the Lord I'm welsh 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@katgrayston6288]

I read that, but hear Cerys Mathews ☺️

[@welshman8954]

@@katgrayston6288 😂😂

[@khaccanhle1930]

I saw the "Big Four" castles in Wales during 2005. It was about 0°C and perfectly blue skies for 3 days straight. Amazing scenery and amazing weather, I heard Welsh everywhere I went. Conwy was my favorite.

[@Aldoor]

I went there in 1976 and it was so hot it was like being in the tropics, camped at Shell Island and swam every day. Truly special place.

[@TwpsynMawr]

​@@Aldoordiolch yn fawr

[@Aldoor]

@@TwpsynMawr Croeso

[@EmpireFanatic]

"Men of Harlech stop your dreaming Cant you see their spearpoints gleaming See their warrior pennants streaming To this battlefield Men of Harlech stand ye steady It can not be ever said ye For the battle were not ready Welshmen never yield From the hills rebounding Let this war cry sounding Summon all at Cambria's call The mighty foe surrounding Men of Harlech on to glory This will ever be your story Keep these burning words before ye Welshmen will not yield"

[@vogonsrock]

Always makes my Welsh blood surge... Polishing my metaphorical spear, now where's my girds to sort out my loins. Ardderchog.

[@duncancurtis5971]

Zulu 1964.

[@EmpireFanatic]

@@duncancurtis5971 Indeed :)

[@andymcneil7085]

Too bloody right.

[@alexanderyacht6483]

"Now it's time for our music spot and we turn the spotlight tonight on the Rachel Toovey Bicycle Choir, with their fantastic arrangement of 'Men of Harlech' for bicycle bells only."

[@jackfrost5808]

I love Harlech, I'm Welsh myself and have been a few times. It's definitely a great position

[@bobmiller7502]

Shell island is just in front of the castle,one of the most beautiful beaches u will see I The UK, well worth a vis,xx

[@coffeeoverloadj7541]

I was so genuinely excited to see a Geographics set in Wales! It’s official, Wales is famous now. Diolch yn fawr (thank you)! (FYI, F = “v” sound, Ff = “f” sound)

[@Dank-gb6jn]

Wales is a beautiful place. One of my bucket list vacation places. After Iceland of course. Cofiwch Dryweryn!

[@toddlerj102]

Take a raincoat when you go 👍

[@Dank-gb6jn]

@@toddlerj102 I think I might need two, having heard many times about the Welsh rain 😂

[@mho...]

Forts & Castles are such great pieces of the past!

[@TheArchemman]

The I more I delve into history, the more I am awe inspired. And it doesn't matter how mundane or grand. Delving deep into the history of anything, I learn to appreciate it more.

[@confuzedpenguin9974]

I been there as a kid on holiday with my parents. Loved it.

[@Apater6076]

Came to learn about a castle. Found out about the whole history of Wales.

[@keiththorpe9571]

The castles of the so-called "Ring of Iron" which were erected to cow the Welsh were, without question, the state of the art in late 13th and early 14th century defensive architecture.

[@ceallaig1]

Still remember the song Men of Harlech from middle school in the US. Nice to learn some history behind it.

[@stuartriefe1740]

I wish my middle school music program was as cool as that back in the 70s!

[@samsmith2635]

Everytime I hear Longshanks I think of: "Send in the Irish, Arrows cost money; the dead cost nothing.."

[@nate4036]

Absolutely amazing in person. You can see the architectural side when you’re up close in person.

[@inglesd90]

"The Welsh are revolting, my lord!" "I know, they don't even bathe!"

[@ignitionfrn2223]

1:20 - Chapter 1 - The prince & the king 5:20 - Chapter 2 - Rival thrones 8:40 - Mid roll ads 9:55 - Chapter 3 - War in wales 13:40 - Chapter 4 - Enter the master 17:40 - Chapter 5 - The 7 years prison - Chapter 6 -

[@kellylouisebrown4954]

visited there. it is amazing!! ❤ Diolch yn fawr (thank you in Welsh) Simon :)

[@CareyTisdal]

Thank you for such a concise overview of the Welsh resistance through the history of Harlech Castle. I have been reading a series of Welsh historical novels, and it has been challenging to remember those key dates.

[@curiousworld7912]

It's odd, touring castles and considering all those walls have seen over time. The castles Edward I had built are some of the most amazing. Beaumaris would have been a thing of beauty, had it ever been completed; it's both architecturally stunning and geometrically/tactically brilliant.

[@rodchallis8031]

I did a tour of these castles (and, um, the many pubs between) over 40 years ago. I don't know why, but to my totally uniformed military architectural eye, Conwy looked exactly like the castle I would least like to attack.

[@craigjohnson1550]

dam thought it was the Harlech castle pub on county rd Liverpool, that would make a good vid, haha keep up the good work Simon

[@Iamtheliquor]

Yup that would be interesting! Along with the Western approaches pub Croxteth, Liverpool🤘😂

[@toddlerj102]

When I saw the title I thought meh ok ill give it a watch as I'm making my way through simons uploads today. Now I knew there was lots of argey bargey between us (Welsh an english) in the past, but I never learned any of this at school. Great vid 👌 thank you Simon an associates for the vid, very educational. One thing I wish you could have added, why the staind glass window depicts the man as it does? To lose an eye an your nose is pretty hideous, the past was the worst, am I right Peter!

[@Hster68]

I love all of Simon's work, but I have never heard one individual murder my beautiful, ancient Welsh language like in this video....

[@christophercarson6634]

My lass has been complaining like buggery...

[@PrisonKilljoy]

I'm not Welsh but even my ears were begging for mercy.

[@helOcookie]

Any and every language in his videos gets butchered in such fashion that i'm suprised he isn't wearing an apron

[@estieglandwr]

😆😆😆👍

[@dakotagrusak]

Lol he so bad at accent. My guy Simon needs to get a linguist on the team!! ❤️❤️

[@paulceglinski3087]

Excellent video, Simon and team. Truth: I know nothing about the history of Wales, other than where it is and the general stuff. But, Simon, I must say you've peaked my curiosity and I plan to look further. Oh, and I wonder if the Welsh get a kick from you doing Welsh history as I, an American, get a kick when you do US history? Waiting for War of the Roses on Warographics. Cheers.

[@Simonsvids]

In a way we do. We get a kick out of him pronouncing Welsh words even worse than he does English ones!😂

[@xengen212]

@@Simonsvids to be fair most animals get it closer than humans

[@Dwigglemoo]

@@xengen212 nah the english are the worst at it, but we probably should still count them as humans

[@duncanself5111]

Bunch of sheep fanciers tbh mate. Proceed at your own risk

[@paulceglinski3087]

@@duncanself5111 LOLOL!

[@d.c.8828]

Please do Geographics videos on English-claimed islands like Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey! Very interested in learning more about their history!

[@redred7289]

They're not English claimed. They're British Crown Dependancies.

[@DerptyDerptyDUM]

Best channel on the KZbins. Cheers as always, Morris. 🤘❤️

[@danjones4432]

Men of Harlech intensifies

[@edgray4471]

My favorite castle. Visited 1968 when I was 11.

[@MidnightArticuno]

Simon's writers: learn Simon knows nothing about Star Wars Also Simon's writers: cram in as many Star Wars references that they can in each episode

[@christopherjohnrudma]

Love castle videos!! More please

[@citizensnips2348]

Ah Simon pronouncing Welsh, this should be fun.

[@emmabalcombe5011]

I have been here so many times and I still find it amazing.

[@trj1442]

Excellent episode Geo team. A very interesting episode. Thankyou.

[@Ryan-31]

Great video, Would love If you did something on Caerphilly Castle. The biggest in Wales and Second only to Windsor in the UK. The Story with Gilbert De' Clare is most interesting also. It was also at the epitome of Concentric Castle design being one of the first large Castles to use the design along with very strong and intricate manmade water defences.

[@Duececoupe]

Now, what we all need (and you know it) is a new channel from uncle Simon, all about castles 🏰! Come on Simon, you know you want to....look at all the castles and their histories where you live....😉😍🥰😎 Excellent video as always....🥇🏆

[@EuanWhitehead]

Been here last year it was great.

[@robertthebruce-geniusofban647]

Excellent portrayal of a great castle!

[@GTVSCLevin]

Would love to see you do coverage of Dunnottar Castle in Scotland.

[@gavinrussell1297]

Been watching you for at least a half decade and you making a video about where I’ve been living for 4 of them, travelling around Gwynedd based in bangor, ypu give me such amazing info, can you do one on Donegal next the little land strip of the Republic of Ireland that sits awkwardly beside Northern Ireland and you’ll probably make my year !

[@dansto5240]

Do you really want to hear him try to say Donegal 🤔

[@gregraines1599]

Another place I have to add to the list. Thanks.

[@CristySFM1234]

wales forever! we have a long and interesting history sad very little is taught. could you guys cover prince madoc it's a story I love and one I'd love even more if you covred it

[@gm2407]

@20:44 Earl of Pembroke was Jasper Tudor uncle of the future Henry VII.

[@aWILDsomethingCAME]

TOOOONGUES OF FIREEEE ON IDRIS FLARING

[@DaiElsan]

After visiting Stirling Castle, it is very sad to see the state of our historic monuments. If they are to be kept for public interest they certainly can do more to restore these buildings over a very long period, to the former glory they once had. Leaving them as ruins is not how our history should be represented.

[@leegarghan9239]

Ooooooo I could watch many castle videos if your going down this route I will definitely be watching 👍

[@jackoldfield9151]

So sick to see north wales on geographics man

[@chrisrivers2701]

My great grandad was the keeper of Harlech Castle in the late 1800s - early 1900s

[@ruby5787]

Ooh, you had me as "western coast of Wales". I'm about to move to Aberystwyth!

[@soundrocketman]

Have you got a video about Offa Dyke? If not i would be really interested in seeing one

[@scottwatschke4192]

Make more video ab out castles history and architecture I love.

[@TheEvilCommenter]

Good video 👍

[@chaffsalvo]

Visited Harlech 1993 while stationed in England. A favorite memory.

[@highbrass7563]

Very cool

[@952651869]

Great video Simon, any chance who can do Glamis Castle?

[@aceundead4750]

I wonder how many others first heard of the war of the roses because of the game Yu-Gi-Oh The Duelists of the Roses? Which fun fact was originally gonna be a strategy war game hence the war of the roses, but Konami wasnt sure enough people knew about the actual war and Yu-Gi-Oh was super popular at the time so they threw Yu-Gi-Oh cards in as the movable pieces. It's a really fun Ps2 game

[@thomasmarren2354]

I played this game. It was fun to play but I could never finish it. My favorite monster in the game is the Kaiser Dragon.

[@aceundead4750]

@@thomasmarren2354 the secret to winning is a trident maneuver, like the raptors from Jurassic Park.

[@Primal-Weed]

WTF is a Yu-Gi-Oh?

[@Primal-Weed]

WTF is a Yu-Gi-Oh?

[@captnaberystwyth2879]

We loaded a 40k pa system into there for a ska gig a few yesrs bsck, before the new brudge.. It was nearly impenetrable then..

[@richtygart6855]

It's interesting how in Britain you've got names that are unheard of in America no matter how closely the nations are related. I met a girl from Wales named Emer. And you've got names like Hermione which no American had ever heard and tell Harry Potter and then even more interesting names like Siobhan.

[@tgmccoy1556]

A lot of place names on the US have Native roots. Chickahominy, Echoa, Muskogee,etc etc.

[@alganhar1]

Probably because those names are not English. Of the six remaining Celtic Languages all of them are British in origin, and five are still spoken to one degree or another in the British Isles. The exception being Breton which is originally of Cornish origin and is spoken in the Brittany region of France. Most of the names that crossed the pond are either English, or if they were originally one of the Celtic Languages very heavily anglicised.

[@ballsack6547]

My sisters name is Siobhan

[@anncoxwell7015]

Hermione Gingold and Hermione Baddeley were actresses in the 1960s (and earlier) who were in American movies. Yes, Americans knew those names.

[@matty6848]

Did you know there’s more castles in Wales per square mile than any other country in the world.

[@aubreyhuff46]

Machicolations was actually something else, usually they are on the side of the walls instead.

[@MF_UNDERTOW]

I thought Simon was about to shed a tear at the end there.

[@jinx1120]

Simon, can we get a biography of Llywelyn Fawr? And maybe Simon de Montfort?

[@midknight]

I clicked to learn more about a castle Ok I lied… see Simon, must click

[@Peppermint0M]

Excellent video. Mangled Welsh words, but a good attempt!

[@gm2407]

How many channels do you have Simon?

[@harrisonmiller6475]

Can you do 1 on the Castle of Good Hope in South Africa?

[@stnrchris]

Hey Simon, I just wanted to stop by and thank you and the whole crew. I found your channels during the beginning of Covid. I was the only person who stayed in a 7 person office to man the phones and virtual classrooms. I’ve been watching ever since. Your videos were an amazing companion during that time and now they are my reprieve from the chaos (American, if you couldn’t already tell). Thanks again! Forever a fan! -Christopher

[@toh786]

There is now a Warographics channel?? I should check this out.

[@delskioffskinov]

Top drawer content!

[@E3ECO]

Now I understand that song a bit better.

[@AtaMarKat]

15:25 MACHICOLATIONS

[@bipbip6626]

I saw photos which were not from Harlech, yet you are talking about its building😅

[@stuartriefe1740]

Does anyone know what’s up with the fluorescent pink Lifesaver that always hovers above Simon’s shoulder on this particular set? 🤔

[@vonyp6018]

fun fact, i learnt theres an identical castle in iraq thats also undefeated ? could be zarb ??? it still stands and was told the plans went there during the war of the roses

[@AcornElectron]

Best place in the world. Secret weapon is a pain in the arse walk though.

[@roobscoob47]

a'Whistle-Out' to Whistler~

[@radretro3777]

They had two liters in the 13th century. Awesome. They're more advanced then I thought. 5:05

[@pastlife960]

I always get excited when I see a Geographics video on a place I’ve been to! Now all I need is a Biographics video on someone I’ve met…

[@ekvinto]

And a Casual Criminalist video on something that happened to you?

[@vojislavmrdja]

@@ekvinto lol

[@AcornElectron]

Harlech is awesome. Stayed close by a couple of years ago in tal-y-bont. Best holiday of my whole life.

[@accaliamurraymusic]

I'm sorry, but Longshanks is an absolutely bad ass surname.

[@Sprock49]

dope

[@kinggeorgev6471]

Well hello gentlemen

[@matthewmisener7759]

David does not like those apples.

[@Captain_Tumbleweed]

Machicolations!!!

[@mattsethswt]

First COmment.... love your videos bro... keep up the good work

[@zenseijay2428]

Cymru am byth 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@thatwelshmun.3410]

Great video, us welsh have an amazing history, but please no more butchering welsh names 😀 the whole video I was correcting you, hope you sensed it.

[@MrPrussianjester]

Gee, seems like getting a bunch of egomaniacs (princes) in a room is a great way to win a war.

[@LaneLibra]

There's a difference between machicolations and murder holes. ☝️

[@hotshot8365]

I still think Caerphilly has superior defences, you have to get through a moat to get to a wall to get to another moat to then get to the first concentric wall to then get through the inner concentric wall - phew 🤣

[@Peppermint0M]

You would think that, but standing in Harlech castle, you can really tell how secure it was. I visited the whole Ring of Iron a few years ago and it was amazing. Caerphilly is a superb example of course.

[@ReZpawner]

Did you use surfshark when your channels got hacked, Simon?

[@Thelykane69]

Did my family tree, discovered I’m a descendent of Llewelyn Fawr but then again most of Wales probably are based on the maths (whatever the maths may be)

[@thevagrantgaming]

A lot of us in America as well. He has millions of descendants alive today.

[@waynemarvin5661]

Always enjoy watching Simon's videos and looking for errors. I don't blame Simon, though, but the writers.

[@hanglee5586]

Name of a British Loudspeaker too.

[@joseybryant7577]

Simon could eventually cover Camelot. Oh, wait. It's only a model.

[@Inucroft]

this, is the niche jokes i love

[@tomhenry897]

Watching history but have a closed mind

[@jackedwards377]

llywelyn the great is buried in a church in my home time llanrwst use to go as children to see

[@yahushamyreedemerlives6926]

I thought vsauce uploaded got excited then got disappointed n laughed

[@GrattanHillSettler]

It's a pity the background music is too distracting.

[@Ryan98063]

How can you possibly know how to equate $13.5 million from currency of 800 years ago?

[@tomhenry897]

Usually tied to gold

[@manofharlech5775]

😊