Conwy returned to active military service during the English Civil War after decades of changing importance. Charles I had sold the castle to Edward Conway for 100 pounds in 1627. In 1642 John Williams, Archbishop of York, took charge for the king and paid for repairs and a garrison himself. General Thomas Mytton's Parliamentary forces later captured it after a substantial siege, and Colonel John Carter became governor. Fresh repairs under Parliament were followed by a 1655 order to slight the castle, showing how quickly a change in policy could reverse its fate.
Chapter · 14:46-16:34
Conwy rearmed for the English Civil War
John Williams repaired and garrisoned Conwy for Charles I before Thomas Mytton's Parliamentary forces took it, repaired it again, and then ordered it slighted.