Constructed in the 12th century as part of a campaign to maintain Norman control in Wales. It was attacked and burnt when under construction in 1270 but successfully completed a few years later. The castle has extensive artificial lakes as part of its defences but in the late 15th century it fell into decline. Damaged during the English Civil War, when it was held for the Crown, it remained a ruin with the lakes eventually draining away.. In the possession of the Marquis of Bute from 1776 In the early twentieth century extensive restoration was carried out between 1928 and 1939 half of the keep rebuilt and the grand hall reroofed. Some of this work provided much needed local employment during the Depression of the 1930s. The Castle was donated to the State in 1950 who carried on the works and refolded the lakes. It is the largest castle in Wales and an impressive site.
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