The village of Harlech (pop. 1,300), once the county town of Merioneth, lies on a rocky outcrop of Cambrian origin, towering over the salt marshland of Morfa Harlech. Like the other fortresses built by Edward I, it was intended that it could be supplied from the sea, but today the village lies 0.5mi/1km from the shore. The massive castle, with
its breathtaking location, is like something out of a mythical fairy-tale and is a symbol of Welsh patriotism. It was conquered by Owain Glyndwr, the last national leader of the Welsh, in 1404 in a struggle against English supremacy, and remained in his hands for almost five years.