The plan locates a coastal curtain wall, a dry moat, a bridge, and marshy ground that complicated an approach to Caernarfon. The watergate provided access for supplies arriving by sea. Around the wards stood the Eagle, Queen's, Well, Chamberlain, Black, Granary, Northeast, and Cistern towers, with a well explicitly identified in the Well Tower. The lower ward contained the great hall and kitchen, and a planned internal wall would have separated it from the upper ward. The Chamberlain Tower's position opposite the main entrance also placed its occupant close to anyone who broke through the gate. The King's Gate and Queen's Gate completed the plan's main entrances. Colour coding distinguishes construction in 1283-92 from work completed in 1295-1323. The earlier work connected with the town wall because securing the settlement took priority over completing the inner castle.
Chapter · 16:03-19:09
Reading Caernarfon's plan and building sequence
Caernarfon's plan locates its watergate, wards, towers, and stores, then distinguishes the building phases of 1283-92 and 1295-1323.