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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Caernarfon
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(10,000 in 1991)
Administrative centre of Gwynedd and a place of importance since Roman times, when the fort of *Segontium was established here. A wooden Norman keep followed in the 11C, and the motte (or mound) on which it stood is now within the castle built for *Edward I in 1283–92. The castle walls, occupying a strategic site between the river Seiont and the Menai Strait, borrowed their theme of polygonal towers with horizontal stripes from distinguished predecessors – the city walls of Constantinople. Today the castle is little more than a magnificent shell. But it was here, in 1284, that the first *prince of Wales was born; and here, in 1969, that the present prince of Wales was invested.
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