Other castles in the Ring of Iron governed their immediate districts. Caernarfon was intended to govern its own surrounding territory and act as the principal English seat in the north. The other castles were expected to look toward it as a superior centre of authority. That role explains the substantial royal accommodation planned within its walls. The accommodation remained unfinished, as did the fortified buildings intended to divide the upper and lower wards.
Notable Point · 41:06-42:00
A northern seat of English government
Caernarfon was intended to be the senior royal and administrative centre to which the other North Welsh castles looked.