A costly castle still left unfinished

The cost comparison presents Caernarfon's quoted expenditure as exceptionally high beside Dover and Château Gaillard. Château Gaillard also prompts a practical observation about a waterside position that made resupply easier. Large expenditure at Caernarfon still left substantial parts of the intended design unbuilt. The rear of the King's Gate, approached from the town, and the southeastern Queen's Gate remained unfinished. Interior foundations mark buildings that would have stood there if the work had continued. The surviving castle therefore has to be understood alongside parts of the plan that were never completed.